In a poignant and nostalgic special episode, the BBC soap opera EastEnders has welcomed back five major characters from its past. The instalment, which became available for streaming on BBC iPlayer from Tuesday, 23 December 2025, forms a central part of a sensitive storyline involving fan favourite Nigel Bates.
A Blast from the Walford Past
The episode is dedicated to the journey of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who was diagnosed with dementia last year. As the narrative unfolded at the close of Monday's broadcast, Nigel entered The Queen Vic, where his memories and an altered perception of reality transported him back to the 1990s.
Before him appeared the legendary Pat Evans (Pam St Clement), a cornerstone of the Square for decades. She was not alone, joined by her stepson Barry (Shaun Williamson). In a particularly moving moment, Nigel's late ex-wife Debbie (Nicola Duffett), who died in a 1995 hit-and-run, also returned to share a dance with her former husband.
The episode further delved into the past with younger versions of the iconic Mitchell brothers. Daniel Delaney reprised his role as a young Phil Mitchell, while Teddy Jay returned as a young Grant Mitchell. This marked the third appearance for both actors in these roles, having previously featured in a 2022 flashback and a storyline exploring Phil's mental health earlier in the year.
The Emotional Impact and a Big Decision
The powerful, memory-driven scenes saw Nigel become confused about a present he had bought, believing an item meant for Julie was intended for Debbie. This emotional journey through his past culminated in Nigel making a significant decision about his future, though specific details are being kept under wraps to avoid spoilers for viewers.
Speaking about her return, actress Pam St Clement said: "I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline. It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home."
A Landmark Return for an Icon
This episode marks the first appearance of Pat Evans, also known as Pat Butcher, since 2016, when she appeared in a vision to Peggy Mitchell. The character, who debuted in 1986, was controversially killed off in 2012, making this comeback a major event for long-term fans.
The special EastEnders episode is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer, having been released early. It continues to air on BBC One on its regular schedule, Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm.
