Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, returned to the BBC soap on Christmas Eve after almost three decades away, having left in April 1998.
In Wednesday night’s episode, he tells Yolande Trueman that he is living with a progressive condition that causes degeneration of the brain and asks her not to tell anyone else.
Future episodes will see him share more about his diagnosis, how his dementia is affecting his life, and his decision to return to Albert Square.
“It’s an incredibly generous offer… but I can’t accept.” #EastEnders, tonight at 7:30pm on @BBCOne and on @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/zCILT8kcWC
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 8, 2025
Nigel Bates to face dementia storyline in EastEnders
The soap’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Nigel’s story will explore the challenges faced by people diagnosed with young onset 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 chief executive of charity Dementia UK said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside EastEnders to help raise awareness of young onset dementia, a condition which is often misunderstood.
“Obtaining a diagnosis of young onset 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.”
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Dementia is described as a “young onset” when symptoms develop before the age of 65, according to Dementia UK.
As dementia is frequently thought of as a condition associated with old age, the early symptoms of young-onset dementia, including changes in language and motivation, are not always recognised and may be attributed to other causes.
Nigel’s biggest storylines have included him falling in love with his video shop employee Debbie Bates (Nicola Duffett), before she was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and becoming a son figure to Dot Cotton (June Brown), which caused tension between him and her son “nasty” Nick (John Altman).