Latest news with #NigelBates
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans spot ‘biggest clue yet' huge star is set to return to soap 17 years after exit
EASTENDERS fans have spotted the 'biggest clue yet' hinting at a huge star's return after 17 years. The character has family connections in Albert Square despite leaving almost two decades ago. 4 4 Viewers have been gripped by Nigel Bates' (Paul Bradley) health storyline since he returned to EastEnders last year. The soap icon has been suffering from young onset dementia and been struggling to cope. Fans have shared their hopes for Nigel's adoptive daughter Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) to join him in Walford again. Taking to Reddit, a viewer shared a screenshot of Gemma's sharing kind words on Instagram about former co-star Steve McFadden - who plays Phil Mitchell. This user penned: "Probably a stretch but I'm hoping that Gemma Bissix (Claire Bates) talking about Steve McFadden a few weeks back means she'd be open come and give Nigel a little visit! "She obviously still watches the show, so she'll know Paul Bradley is back." Gemma originally played Clare Bates in the BBC soap from 1993 until leaving alongside Nigel in 1998. The character returned as an adult in 2008 - reconnecting with Dot Cotton (June Brown) and having a brief romance with Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements). This fell apart when Bradley discovered Clare's plans to take his money and demanded she leave Walford. Nigel himself returned to Walford in 2024 - while the likes of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and David Wicks (Michael French) all returned for guest appearances around the same time. EastEnders airs shock return for character after 27 years - but with a twist The Sun previously revealed Gemma was reprising her role as another Clare - Hollyoaks villain Clare Devine. A source said: 'Gemma's much anticipated return to Hollyoaks has been kept top secret and her character is set to stir up plenty of on-screen drama as the soap kicks into gear around it's 30th birthday. 'She is delighted to be asked back, especially as she's rising from the dead. The scenes will be explosive.' It means fans are left divided as to whether the actress would return to EastEnders. One viewer commented: "She's just signed on for Hollyoaks so probably not likely. "I can't believe no one has tried to find contact methods for Julie yet and told her." EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode. While another suggested: "Whilst Gemma is returning to Hollyoaks, there could be a slim possibility she has already filmed something and its being kept under wraps like other surprise appearances have been." They added: "We can only live in hope." Gemma's Hollyoaks character Clare wreaked havoc in the iconic Cheshire village. However, she was once thought to have been killed by Dr. Browning back in 2013.
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans left in tears at heartbreaking twist in ‘perfect' VE Day episode
EASTENDERS fans were left in tears when the soap featured a heartbreaking twist in their "perfect" VE Day episode. Last night the residents of Walford came together to mark 80 years since the war ended. 5 5 In the latest episode of EastEnders, Phil and Jean convinced Linda to coincide the re-opening of The Vic with VE Day celebrations. The Albert Square pub has been closed since the explosion that killed Martin Fowler. But last night it re-opened, much to the joy of the local residents, and the viewers at home. However, there was a heartbreaking twist when Nigel - who is suffering from dementia - believed it was 1995, and the party planned at The Vic was to mark the 50 th anniversary of VE Day. Throughout the episode, Nigel was heard speaking about late characters, including Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, as he believed they were throwing the party. Later when he arrived at The Vic, Nigel kissed Jean as he thought she was his late wife, Debbie, who was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995. The scenes were all too much for some EastEnders fans, who took to Twitter/X to share their heartbreak, but also to commend the soap on a "perfect" episode. One fan tweeted: "Omg tonight's episode was amazing, sad because of Nigel but also heartwarming because of everyone coming together in the vic." While another added: "Oh EastEnders that episode was just perfect! "Tears running all the way through #EastEnders well done!" EastEnders' Nigel Bates reveals heartbreaking truth about his dementia battle as soap teases another comeback after 27 years This one added: "Such a heartbreaking moment for Nigel." POIGNANT EPISODE The episode also featured poignant nods to wartime Britain including historical footage and music associated with World War II. Viewers watched in awe at real life scenes of celebrations that took place across the capital on May 8, 1945. EastEnders bosses wanted to honour and remember those who gave their lives during the war. Speaking before the special episode aired, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: 'Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history. "We wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.' 5 5
