But why has he returned to Albert Square alone?
On Christmas Eve, EastEnders viewers got a festive surprise when Nigel Bates returned to Walford this for the first time in 26 years.
Nigel was last seen in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare left to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh.
Having turned up at the community centre where Yolande Trueman was volunteering, why has Nigel returned to Albert Square alone? One thing is for certain, Phil Mitchell will receive a ghost of Christmas past this year as the two friends reconnect.
Talking about his return, Paul Bradley said "I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch. It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again - I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time."
To which Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, added "It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much-loved by long-time EastEnders viewers. There’s a lot of mystery about Nigel’s situation and why he’s here alone, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. Phil has never needed support more than he does this Christmas, so we’re excited to reunite these two old friends."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer
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