PAUL Bradley has revealed exactly why he agreed to return to EastEnders – after 26 years away from Nigel Bates. The actor has left fans of the BBC One soap stunned as he reprises his

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has made an unannounced return to EastEnders after 26 years in tonight’s episode. The character appeared between 1992 and 1998, though hasn’t been seen since. It was first reported earlier this month that actor Paul Bradley would be reprising his role ahead of the 40th Anniversary celebrations next year.

NIGEL Bates is hiding a big secret and lying to pal Phil Mitchell in tonight’s EastEnders. The classic character – who is played by actor Paul Bradley in the BBC soap – reunited with

EastEnders aired a blast from the past on Christmas Eve, as Nigel Bates, played by actor Paul Bradley, returned to the BBC soap for the first time in almost 30 years

Nigel Bates has returned to the BBC soap EastEnders for the first time in 26 years in a special Christmas Eve episode. The character, played by Paul Bradley, appeared at a community centre where Yolande Trueman, played by Angela Wynter, was volunteering during the episode.

He is fondly remembered for his romance with Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett).

Nigel Bates has made his way back to Walford after 26 years away, with the character making a shock appearance on the Christmas Eve episode.

Nigel Bates returns as Cindy Beale knocked out by shovel in EastEnders special - It’s a tense time for Cindy Beale as her secrets are revealed.

Nigel Bates is back in Walford for the first time in 26 years as EastEnders viewers got a festive surprise when Phil's friend returned to Walford on Christmas Eve. Viewers saw Nigel in tonight's Christmas Eve episode when he turned up at the community centre where Yolande Trueman was volunteering.