Nigel seeks support from an EastEnders legend as his memory worsens – and it’s not Yolande

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) turns to another Walford local for support in EastEnders next week, as his young-onset dementia worsens.

The Albert Square favourite returned to the area last year, and initially concealed his diagnosis from friends.

Having opened up to Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), she encouraged him to confide in old best pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

Nige was unable to find the right opportunity, and with Phil’s mental health spiralling, he didn’t want to burden him with more upset.

It soon transpired that the stalwart was planning on taking his own life, and during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations last month, he aimed an unloaded gun at his head.

Nigel, Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) rushed to Phil’s side to support him, fearful for his future.

Realising that they could both do with someone to lean on in their hour of need, Nige confessed his own troubles.

Phil was subsequently rushed into hospital to receive specialist support – though it has been decided by the wider family to keep the matter a secret.

In upcoming scenes, Nigel’s memory begins to decline. We’ve seen him rely on an alarm system to remind him of key events during the day, and on a number of occasions he has confused names of his nearest and dearest.

A difficult day ensues, and when he returns home, he breaks down to Linda.

Pressure is mounting for Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) to tell Lexi (Isabella Brown) where her grandfather Phil has gone, with his wife Honey (Emma Barton) imploring him to be honest.

Later, Nigel accidentally slips up in front of the youngster, and Billy sees red.

To make matters worse, Lexi later finds the suicide notes that Phil had prepared for his family, and Nigel confuses her further by referring to her as Clare.

Long term viewers will remember that Clare, played by Gemma Bissix, was the daughter of his first wife Debbie.