Troubling times cast a heavy shadow over Albert Square this Easter as Nigel Bates, once the lovable underdog of EastEnders, reaches a painful crossroads in his battle with young-onset dementia. The holiday cheer masked a heartbreaking spiral, as Nigel’s condition became impossible to ignore — culminating in a deeply emotional and chaotic episode that leaves his fate uncertain and Phil Mitchell reeling from a devastating discovery.

Since his return to Walford last December after nearly 30 years away, Nigel has struggled to rebuild his life. His reappearance stirred nostalgia, but that quickly gave way to concern. Estranged from his wife Julie, Nigel quietly confided in Yolande Trueman that he was suffering from early-onset dementia, and didn’t want to burden anyone — especially not his ex. He wanted to live with dignity, but the condition is catching up with him.

A chance run-in with Phil Mitchell revealed a silver lining. Nigel opened up to his old friend about the illness, believing that their mutual battles — Phil with his mental health, Nigel with his memory — might bring comfort. But as much as Phil tried to be there for him, the cracks were widening.

Last week offered a chilling sign when Jean Slater found Nigel disoriented, mistaking the local pharmacy for his old video shop. She escorted him home, and from that point, Phil became increasingly protective — even insisting Nigel not leave the house alone. But today, as Walford came alive for Easter, Nigel was desperate to prove he was still capable of joy, purpose, and self-sufficiency.

Yolande, trying to boost his spirits, asked Nigel to don an Easter bunny costume and help with the egg hunt in the Square Gardens. Against Phil’s better judgment, Nigel agreed. What began as lighthearted fun quickly descended into confusion and chaos.

While entertaining children, Nigel spotted young Hope Fowler — and in a tragic moment of cognitive misfire, mistook her for his adoptive daughter Clare. In a panic, he rushed at Harvey Monroe, screaming accusations and branding him a ‘paedo’. The entire Square froze as Nigel tried to drag Hope away, his panic and confusion spilling into reality.

Phil leapt into action, trying to de-escalate the situation while Harvey, livid and confused, demanded answers. Nigel fled the scene, ripping off his bunny costume at the laundrette, his dignity shattered.

The truth quickly came out. Phil explained to Harvey, Jean, and Ian Beale that Nigel wasn’t violent or dangerous — he was unwell. Yolande confirmed the dementia diagnosis, and suddenly, the pieces fit together: the memory lapses, the confusion, the misplaced nostalgia.

While Harvey was initially filled with rage, the truth left him stunned — and guilt-ridden. Meanwhile, Jean voiced concerns that Phil might not be equipped to care for Nigel alone, fearing the toll it could take. But Phil insisted he and Nigel were managing fine — even as doubt flickered in his eyes.

But back at home, something even darker loomed.

Nigel had left his mobile phone on the dining table. Phil, concerned and curious, opened it — and what he found changed everything.

The episode ends with Phil’s face darkening, a mixture of shock and heartbreak overtaking him. What exactly did he discover? A disturbing message? A forgotten photo? Evidence of a secret he wasn’t prepared for?

As the screen fades to black, viewers are left haunted by the image of a man unraveling — and the friend who may not be able to hold him together much longer.