EastEnders fans 'work out' Christmas death as show favourite 'killed off' after 33 years

EastEnders viewers reckon they've sussed out a gut-wrenching Christmas plot that's bound to leave the audience in bits.

Beloved character Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, won over the fans' hearts when he first appeared on the Square in 1992.

After an original stint of six years concluding in 1998, Nigel made a dramatic comeback on Christmas Eve 2024 following a 26-year hiatus.

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However, it was heartbreakingly disclosed that Nigel is grappling with early onset dementia, and recent episodes have shown his memory lapses increasing, causing concern for his mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) recently popped by Phil's place to recommend that he gets additional support for Nigel, advice which Phil stubbornly shrugged off despite being Nigel's oldest pal, reports Belfast Live.

Complications arose when Nigel agreed to assist little Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) with her school story project but found the trip down memory lane painfully challenging.

Phil's worries spiked after discovering Nigel with Lexi, who in his confusion, he mistook for his daughter Claire Bates (Gemma Bissix).

With Nigel's condition evidently worsening, the EastEnders community fears that the cherished character might tragically pass away during the yuletide season.

Social media has been buzzing with speculation, as one viewer posted: "They aren't going to drag his Dementia storyline on for long. I suspect Nigel is a definite death for Christmas."

Another echoed: "I think Nigel will die at christmas tbh and it's going to be heartbreaking."

And a third pondered: "I sadly think Nigel could die and it will be a teary Christmas."

Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel in the series, opened up about his character's "experiencing a slow decline".

"Things have started to happen that are understandably very confusing for him," he shared.

Adding further, he said: "He often mistakes things in his past for the present day, and his memories are disjointed. When that happens, it is also incredibly upsetting for those around him."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am

More information about dementia is available via organisations including the NHS and Dementia UK. Dementia UK offers support and advice about living with dementia through a free helpline at 0800 888 6678 and helpline@dementiauk.org