EastEnders Paul Bradley’s life away from soap as Nigel Bates set to reveal a secret
EastEnders viewers will learn Nigel Bates' big secret in upcoming scenes as he continues to open up to his old friend Phil Mitchell - but what is the character hiding?
EastEnders is gearing up to unveil a major secret about Nigel Bates (portrayed by Paul Bradley) following his unexpected return to Walford. Over the festive period, Nigel made a surprise appearance in Albert Square after 26 years away, swiftly reuniting with his old mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
It was evident that Nigel was going through a rough patch as he seemed to be homeless and estranged from his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn). Phil encouraged Nigel to move in with him, and in exchange, Nigel is trying to help Phil navigate his own loneliness.
However, there’s still an air of mystery surrounding Nigel’s return. Initially, he claimed to have separated from his wife, but she has been reaching out for him to come back home.
Nigel was also taken aback when Phil offered to sign over his share of the Boxing Den to him – an offer he declined.
In forthcoming episodes, Nigel contemplates leaving Walford, but instead opts to visit the laundrette. Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) lends her support, leading to Nigel revealing a significant secret, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Phil grows concerned about his friend’s whereabouts, teaming up with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) to search for Nigel. As Nigel continues to confide in Yolande about his real reasons for returning to Walford, Phil turns up.
In the coming week, Yolande continues to offer Nigel emotional support and urges him to disclose the truth about his health to Phil. But what exactly is Nigel keeping under wraps?
As EastEnders legend Nigel takes the spotlight, let’s delve into the life of actor Paul Bradley.
Bradley, 69, hails from Warwickshire and first graced EastEnders between 1992 and 1998. His memorable character was renowned for being the good-hearted best mate of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and managing the local video store.
He was also recognised for his flamboyant shirts and dark curly hair.
Nigel, the local video shop worker, also formed a close bond with local chatterbox Dot Cotton (June Brown). She saw Nigel as the virtuous son she never had, which led to him being tormented by her own wicked son, Nick Cotton (John Altman).
Nigel attempted to enjoy marital bliss with his wife Debbie Bates (Nicola Duffett) and adopted her daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), but their idyllic family life was not destined to last. Debbie tragically died in a hit-and-run accident, leaving Nigel as Clare’s sole guardian.
In 1997, he fell head over heels for Julie, Clare’s school teacher, and relocated from Albert Square to Scotland in 1998, never to return – until now.
Post-EastEnders, actor Bradley has featured in numerous TV series including Doctors, My Family, I Hate Suzie, Bottom and Casualty, as well as a minor role in the film The Pianist. His earliest role was in the zany sitcom The Young Ones in 1982.
Paul is also a seasoned theatre actor and most recently starred in the long-running Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap as Major Metcalfe in London’s West End.
The actor is also recognised for his portrayal of Elliot Hope in the now discontinued BBC medical drama Holby City, a character he embodied for a decade from 2005 to 2015, and reprised in 2019 for the show’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
