Julie Bates star Karen Hentorn made an unannounced cameo (Picture: BBC / X)
EastEnders spoilers follow for Monday’s (January 6) episode, which is now available to view on BBC iPlayer.

Julie Bates’ voice was heard for the first time in over two decades during the latest visit to the Square, with actress Karen Hentorn reprising her role for a voicemail left on Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) phone.

Nigel, a firm favourite with long-time fans of the BBC One soap, staged his long-awaited return over the Christmas period, moving in with old mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

The character was thought to be homeless, with Phil only too glad to help his old pal out, but it seems that Nigel isn’t being completely honest about the circumstances which led him back to Walford, as he claims that wife Julie kicked him out.

Julie, however, has been leaving him text messages, concerned about his whereabouts as she begs him to return home.

Monday’s edition of the BBC One soap, which can be viewed now on iPlayer, sees Nigel receive a voicemail from Julie, pleading with him to get in touch and tell her where he is, professing her love for him.

Karen Hentorn, who played Julie between 1997 and 1998, reprised her role for the voice call, making this her first appearance in the BBC One serial in 27 years.

Julie, as viewers will recall, was introduced as a school teacher of Clare Bates’ (Gemma Bissix) – Nigel’s stepdaughter – and she soon hit it off with Nigel.

Nigel is keeping a secret (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes /Kieron McCarron)
The following year, she and Nigel left the Square together for a new life in Scotland.

In the wake of Nigel and Julie’s return, fans can also expect to see Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) stage a long-awaited Walford comeback ahead of EastEnders’ 40th anniversary in February.