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,

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.

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.

EastEnders icon Nigel Bates made his return to the soap after 26 years - but fans were left gobsmacked as they said they didn't even recognise him and had to rewind the TV

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.