EastEnders fans will want to keep a box of tissues close to hand as tonight's episode features the devastating death of much-loved character Nigel Bates in a truly emotional special. Over the past year, Nigel's condition has worsened as he fought dementia, placing an enormous strain on his closest friend Phil Mitchell and his wife Julie.
This week matters came to a head when Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, was hospitalised with pneumonia, with doctors advising that treatment be halted and that he be transferred back to the care home for end-of-life care. Despite having supported Nigel throughout his dementia diagnosis, and even welcoming him and his wife into his Albert Square home, Phil had yet to visit Nigel in the care home, unable to face the heartbreaking reality of his friend's decline.
However, following a frank talking-to from his brother Grant Mitchell, Phil makes the right decision and joins Julie at Nigel's bedside before it is too late, bringing with him the perfect skimming stone, just as Nigel had once wished for. In a deeply moving scene, the two old friends clasp hands and look back fondly on happier times, as Nigel drifts into a vision of himself and Phil together on a beach, without a care in the world. The scene shifts back to the care home, where a distraught Phil breaks down and apologises to them both for staying away for so long.
Phil, played by Steve McFadden, sobbed: "You showed me how to be a different kind of man. You showed me how to be strong without using my fists. You showed me how to laugh when there weren't much to laugh about." He added: "You're the best mate I've ever had, Nige. I love you. And I'm going to be okay." Phil then tells Nige that it's "okay for you to go" and moments later he draws his last breath as the treasured stone tumbles to the floor. The legendary theme tune then begins as a distraught Julie weeps in Phil's arms.
The heart-wrenching episode broadcasts this evening at 7.30pm and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer now.
