Sad Nigel development in EastEnders amid huge Walford celebration

Nigel Bates has a moment of reflection at the war memorial – but thinks it’s 1995 (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) memory worsens next week when the EastEnders celebrate VE Day.

As viewers of the BBC One soap know, Nige is living with a young-onset dementia diagnosis.

Recently he made the bold decision to leave Walford, after best pal and housemate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) learned of his decision to take his own life, should his condition decline further.

This came as a result of an explosive outburst he made at Easter, branding Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) a paedophile and accusing him of taking his adoptive daughter Clare.

After an explosive row with Phil, Nigel packed his bags. A short time later, Phil discovered that, Nigel was missing.

Tracking him down to the hospital after being accosted by teenagers, Phil convinced his friend to return home where he would take on the role of full time carer.

Phil and Jean decide to put him straight, but then have another idea – a last-minute gathering (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) Nigel is overjoyed by the effort everyone has gone to (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

The arrangement has taken some getting used to, with Phil’s overbearing approach proving too much to handle.

In upcoming scenes, the residents band together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day – but only after Phil and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) realise how enthusiastic Nige is about the day.

Nods to wartime Britain will take place throughout the ep, including archive footage and music from the time.

It becomes clear that Nigel thinks its 1995 – the same year that Albert Square’s finest attended a party arranged by Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher).

The Vic reopens its doors! (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Phil and Jean prepare to stage an intervention with him, but Jean bottles it and decides they should hold a last-minute party.

Mo Harris (Laila Morse) gets on board and asks Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) if they can hold it in The Vic, but she’s unsure whether to open the doors or not.

Eventually, she relents, and everyone gathers in the boozer to not only celebrate Britain’s victory, but also the reopening of their favourite pub.

Pictures show Nigel and Jean enthusiastically dancing around – but what does this mean for his declining health?

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