EASTENDERS has confirmed Nigel Bates’ heartbreaking secret and the reason he’s really back in Walford after 27 years.

Fans of the BBC soap were delighted to see Paul Bradley reprise his role as Nigel after decades away from Walford just before Christmas.

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EastEnders has confirmed Nigel Bates’ heartbreaking secret and the reason he’s really back in Walford after 27 years

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Nigel arrived back in Walford just before Christmas but something was clearly wrongCredit: BBC

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Nigel finally shared his secret with Yolande tonight – he has dementia
Nigel appeared homeless as Yolande Trueman served him at soup kitchen, before Phil Mitchell gave him a place to stay.

Nigel told Phil he had split from Julie, but it was revealed that wasn’t the case when he received a message from her where she begged him to get in touch and come home.

EastEnders viewers started to suspect Nigel was keeping a secret from Phil and his other Walford friends, and tonight it was finally revealed.

Nigel had tried to flee the Square before seeking refuge in the Laundrette.

Yolande had spotted him and followed him inside, where she could see he was upset and distressed.

When Nigel dropped his phone as it buzzed, Yolande picked it up and saw it was an alarm reminding him to eat his dinner.

Nigel admitted he sometimes forgot to eat if he was distracted and Yolande probed gently: “You’re not well are you Nigel? It’s ok, you can talk to me.”

After taking some breaths Nigel got Yolande to promise not to tell anyone before admitting: “I’ve got dementia.”

EastEnders is working with experts and organisations in the field, including Dementia UK, on a storyline, which explores the issue of young on-set dementia.

The diagnosis of young on-set dementia is given to those experiencing dementia symptoms at age 65 and under.

EastEnders airs shock return for character after 27 years – but with a twist

Nigel is set to reveal more about his diagnosis and how it impacts his life in upcoming episodes, but viewers will have to wait and see if he can bring himself to tell his old friends Phil and Sharon.

Speaking of the storyline, EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Nigel’s story will explore the challenges faced by people diagnosed with young on-set dementia and their loved ones, which is why working with Dementia UK has been so vital.

“As Nigel’s story unfolds, viewers will learn more about the decisions he’s made and how he’s coping with such a difficult diagnosis.”

Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO of Dementia UK added: “We’re pleased to be working alongside EastEnders to help raise awareness of young on-set dementia, a condition which is often misunderstood.

“Obtaining a diagnosis of young on-set dementia can be challenging, and it is often even harder to find age-appropriate support.

“Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses work with people like Nigel across the country, and we know the confusion, fear and anxiety he feels is a reflection of what many people go through every day.”

Dr Karen Harrison Dening, Head of Research and Publications at Dementia UK, said: “We hope this storyline helps to shed some light on the challenges a diagnosis of young on-set dementia can bring.

“It tackles sensitive topics and hard truths, but we know that thousands of people in the UK are facing these every day.

“The production team has shown a strong commitment to delivering a sensitive depiction, which we hope will spark conversations and encourage people to reach out to our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses for support when they need it.”

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The soap is working closely with charities and organisations on the young on-set dementia storyline