If you were sobbing profusely into your bowl of cereal while watching EastEnders this morning on BBC iPlayer, you were not alone. Thursday's (May 21) episode, which can now be streamed early, saw Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) leave Albert Square after one of the most remarkably poignant comeback stints in recent soap memory.
Julie's Return and Nigel's Dementia
Julie returned to Walford last year after three decades away, following Nigel's (Paul Bradley) revelation that he had been diagnosed with dementia. Nigel initially kept Julie in the dark, believing he was protecting her, but she arrived and became the rock that Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) needed as he vowed to be by Nigel's side until the end.
Her return not only benefited the storyline but also the BBC One soap in general. Julie slotted seamlessly into the current show landscape, elevating every scene she was in, largely due to powerhouse performances from Karen Henthorn. She became one of the best characters not only on the Square but in soap overall. Her unexpected friendship with Phil provided some of the best scenes in recent EastEnders memory, with Karen and Steve doing superb work alongside Paul in a devastatingly authentic portrayal of dementia.
Nigel's Funeral and the Poem
In emotional scenes last month, Nigel passed away in a care home with Julie and Phil by his side. Wednesday's (May 20) episode saw his funeral, where Julie struggled to find the right words for her tribute. Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix) recalled an old poem Nigel helped her with for an English assignment when she was a child. In the poem, Nigel imagined himself as an older person looking back on his life. Julie tearfully read it aloud at the service, providing catharsis as mourners paid tribute by wearing some of Nigel's signature colorful ties.
Phil and Grant also spoke, honoring their kind friend. Phil broke down recalling how Nigel saved his life during his mental health battle, sharing a moment at the coffin with the best mate he ever had.
The Letter and India Dream
After the service, Julie revealed she would return to Scotland, where her happiest memories with Nigel reside. In Thursday's episode, she bravely read the letter Nigel left her, written before his dementia took hold. Emotional at knowing his final wishes, she asked Phil to be by her side. In beautifully performed scenes, Julie broke down realizing Nigel had left her funds to fulfill their dream of going to India together.
"I want you to go to India," he wrote. "And to live for me. Thank you for being my wife. You were my world. I love you. Be happy." Fighting tears, Phil hugged Julie and offered to take her to the Vic to celebrate. She accompanied him but quietly slipped out, leaving a goodbye note at his home.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Phil raced to the Tube station, catching Julie before her train. In emotional scenes, Julie thanked him for everything he did for her and Nigel, remarking how he took great care of them. The pair, forever bonded by grief, shared a special hug, parting on the best of terms as Julie urged Phil to look to the future in Nigel's name.
This brings to an end Karen Henthorn's second stint as Julie, who fans have grown incredibly fond of. The actress delivered some of the most captivatingly devastating performances in the show's four-decade history and will certainly be missed. Walford has lost a piece of its heart without her.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
