AN EastEnders legend quit Walford in emotional scenes – leaving their close friend devastated in the process.
Nigel Bates returned to the BBC soap last year, after a 26-year absence.
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In poignant scenes airing tonight, the much-loved character leaves Walford in a taxi.
Fans know Nigel is battling early onset dementia – with friend Phil Mitchell taking care of him for months.
Jay Brown is worried about the strain this is putting on Phil, so he contacts Nigel’s wife Julie – who’d reported him missing.
Upon her return to Albert Square, Julie and Phil clash over not telling her where her husband’s been all this time.
When Nigel first resurfaced, he lied to Phil that he and Julie had split after she left him for another man.
It later transpired he had walked out – to protect her from eventually seeing his deteriorating condition.
Both determined, Phil and Julie fight their case for Nigel to stay with them.
However, the beloved character ultimately decides to return to Scotland with Julie.
As the couple prepare to depart, Phil can’t bring himself to go outside and say goodbye.
After a heart-to-heart with Linda Carter, he’s sat alone in his kitchen, and looks at a photo of a younger Nigel with his daughter Clare.
EastEnders viewers spot Nigel Bates struggling to hang up phone
Karen Henthorn reprised her role as Julie after 27 years away – bar a voice cameo earlier this year.
Speaking ahead of her return, the actress said: “Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she’s with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that’s what matters.
“They are facing a hard road ahead, but they’ve got each other now.
“Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she’ll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she’s not going anywhere.”
She added: “She’s really angry because Phil knew where Nigel was all this time, and he could have told Julie.
“She doesn’t understand why he didn’t get in touch with her, and that leads to clashes between them.
“Also, Julie believes Nigel should have as much support as possible, so she doesn’t get why Phil is trying to cut her out.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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