EastEnders fans call Nigel Bates’ death “one of the best episodes, ever”
EastEnders fans knew Nigel Bates’ sad death was coming, but when his final moments aired in tonight’s episode, there wasn’t a dry in anyone’s house. The latest episode saw Julie sit beside her husband on his death bed, as the likes of Yolande Trueman, Linda Carter, and Lexi Pearce came to say their goodbyes.
Elsewhere, Phil and Grant Mitchell bickered and rowed, before calling a truce in time to go and their friend one last time.
The episode featured Yolande singing a beautiful song to Nigel, scenes that ebbed and flowed between imagination and reality like waves on the beach. And, of course, ‘Julia’s Theme’.
Viewers were all in agreement that it was an exceptionally well-done send off, with fantastic performances across the board, coupled with writing and direction that delivered an emotionally devastating yet perfectly-pitched coda to Nigel’s dementia story.
“Good lord, #EastEnders always pulls an absolutely sensational episode out of the bag when needed, and most importantly, when deserved,” one fan wrote on X. “A fitting farewell for our Nigel. Those final 15 minutes? Perfect. Not enough words for Steve McFadden, Karen Henthorn and Paul Bradley,” they added.
“Such a powerful and moving episode that I know will resonate with so many people myself included,” wrote another. “Karen Henthorn was magical today and I really hope she stays in Walford for years to come. RIP Nigel Bates – you will be missed.”
“Oh my gosh!! What a special beautiful episode RIP Nigel! So heartbreaking,” posted a third, while a fourth called it “one of the best episodes, ever. Terribly sad yet so beautifully done”.
“So many thoughts after today’s EastEnders. We have been so lucky to have had the marvellous Paul Bradley back for so long, and I’ll miss him and Nigel very much”, another fan wrote. “Some really terrific performances from everyone involved today. A fitting end to what has been a wonderful story.”
“I’m speechless… Steve McFadden, Paul Bradley and Karen Henthorn delivered masterclass performances,” tweeted one fan, while a fellow viewer wrote what everyone is thinking: “I’m really gonna miss Nigel.”