Since returning to EastEnders at the end of last year, Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has been hiding the devastating secret he has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
While he has found support from Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) in recent weeks, his old friends Phil and Grant Mitchell (Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp) have been in the dark about what is really going on with him.
Nigel’s determination to keep it from them came from his concern about Phil’s mental health struggle, which earlier this week saw him attempt to take his own life.
Next week, Grant demands the truth from Nigel about his condition as the impact of the explosive events of the 40th anniversary episodes is felt right through Walford.
During Monday’s visit to Albert Square, tensions are running high between Nigel and Grant, who is also facing intense scrutiny from the rest of the Mitchell clan over his recent actions.
Emotions bubble over during a family breakfast at the café where Grant dishes out some harsh home truths.
After witnessing the confrontation, Yolande speaks with Nigel and urges share his diagnosis with Grant, but he refuses.
However, Grant overhears their exchange and confronts Nigel asking for the truth.
As Nigel is forced to open up to his old friend, Grant struggles to process the news and a row ensues.
Grant then visits someone who he believes can help, but he ends up making a huge assumption that ends in disappointment.
Realising it is time to pack his bags and leave Walford, he makes a kind gesture to Nigel and asks him to move to Portugal, promising to support him as his health declines.
Will Nigel agree to go with him, or will something else keep him in Albert Square?
