EastEnders legend Paul Bradley has confirmed that Nigel Bates' final scenes are both heartbreaking and beautiful, as the beloved character prepares to say goodbye after a year-and-a-half return to Walford.
A Long Goodbye
Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, returned to the Square three decades after his original stint, confiding in old friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) about his dementia diagnosis. Now, doctors have told his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) that time is running out.
Bradley described the ending as 'very moving' and 'a beautiful ending' for such a heartbreaking subject matter. 'It's difficult to describe without giving too much away, but the story has found a way to reconcile a lot of the loose ends in the various relationships Nigel has, and end on a hopeful and positive note,' he said.
A Privilege to Return
The actor called his return 'an absolute privilege' and praised the show for tackling the resonant subject of dementia responsibly. 'Returning to the set, and cast, has been amazing and it's been a rollercoaster. The fact that Steve is still there, and that I could work with him again was fantastic,' he added.
When Nigel returned, Phil was struggling with his mental health, and Nigel helped him get support. In turn, Phil promised to be there for Nigel as his dementia progressed, supporting both him and Julie.
Emotional Farewell
Bradley revealed that working with Steve McFadden and Karen Henthorn was a career highlight. 'Steve and Karen are phenomenal. When Phil told Nigel he couldn't care for him anymore, I found it really difficult not to cry during filming. There is a lot of emotion in a soap, so you have to be responsible about it.'
The three actors developed a real chemistry, looking out for each other throughout the storyline. 'I think the viewers recognise that there was something special going on. If you invest in it, you go through it emotionally,' Bradley said.
Research and Responsibility
Bradley felt an obligation to tell the story truthfully, working closely with Dementia UK. 'The directors and producers gave us the space to bring our own emotions to it, and our own research. It was important that we showed all aspects of dementia,' he explained.
He recalled a woman in Cork thanking him for the storyline, saying it was important. 'I think it's a hard watch, but many, many people have friends and relatives who are either going through this, or they know someone who is caring for someone who is going through this,' he added.
Fond Memories
Reflecting on his original stint, Bradley remembered working with June Brown (Dot Cotton) as an 'education'. He also revealed a special gift from Steve McFadden: a skimming stone that now sits in pride of place at home. 'People won't understand why until they've seen this week's episodes,' he said with a smile.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
