EastEnders’ Nigel Bates’ wife Julie arrives in Walford next week – and is devastated to discover the truth about her husband’s dementia diagnosis.

Julie hasn’t seen Nigel since he walked out on her over a year ago. How will she react when the couple are reunited under such tragic circumstances?

Nigel starts to reminisce about Julie when Lexi comments on a photograph of their wedding day.

Upset as he recalls their life together, Nigel insists Julie remain in the dark about his condition as he doesn’t want to burden her.

When Jay learns Julie has no idea where Nigel is, and is oblivious to his diagnosis, he secretly tries track her down – despite Phil advising him not to.

After some online digging, Jay finds Julie and realises she’s searching for her missing husband, so he reaches out – and 24 hours later, she’s there in the flesh…

“Once Julie arrives in Walford, Jay prepares himself to fill Julie in about the extent of Nigel’s dementia,” our insider reveals.

“But he doesn’t get the chance, as Julie spots Nigel and Phil in the Square and rushes over to them. Sadly, Nigel doesn’t recognise his wife and he quickly becomes overwhelmed by the situation.”

Phil also finds Julie’s presence problematic, having vowed to respect Nigel’s wishes to stop her finding out about his dementia. The pair instantly clash, which makes Nigel even more agitated as his wife and best mate lock horns.

Following their fracas, Phil shows Julie a video that Nigel made for her, which explains why he left her immediately after receiving his diagnosis. But Julie then makes the shock announcement she’s taking Nigel home to Scotland.

Related: EastEnders star Bobby Brazier breaks silence on bombshell exit news

“Phil is fuming and insists he knows what’s best for his old pal, but Julie’s not backing down,” explains our source. “Linda tries to support Phil as he works through this difficult situation, but he’s having a really tough time.”

Meanwhile, Julie has a heart-to-heart with Jay about Phil and Nigel’s relationship – but this ends with another argument between Julie and Phil, with Nigel begging them to end their feud.

Will Nigel go back to Scotland with Julie, or can Phil persuade him to stay in the Square?