EastEnders is gearing up for a dramatic week as Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley) prepares for a temporary departure from Walford, alongside his best mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

The drama begins on Monday (September 8) when Nigel and his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) are hit with the tragic news that their three beloved pet chickens have been killed by foxes.

It soon emerges that a heartbroken Nigel is responsible for the death of their chickens, sparking a heated argument about their loss.

Nigel, who is grappling with the early stages of dementia, becomes increasingly distressed by his failing memory. However, he starts to grow suspicious of Julie’s secretive phone calls.

Julie attempts to reassure her husband, explaining that the call is regarding a potential job opportunity. But this conversation stirs up old emotions, reports Plymouth Live.

Why is Nigel distancing himself from his wife?

In a surprising turn of events, Nigel is taken aback when Phil suggests they take a day trip away from Walford. But what’s the real reason behind their adventure?

To keep Nigel’s spirits high, the pair embark on a nostalgic drive to the countryside.

Despite his memory issues, Nigel vividly recalls their younger days and persuades Phil that they need to locate a time capsule they buried with Grant Mitchell in their youth.

Phil tries to dissuade Nigel from this mission, convinced it’ll be a fruitless endeavour. However, he’s stunned when Nigel leads him directly to the spot where they buried the capsule years ago.

As they unearth the box, the friends share an emotional conversation. But what’s really going through Nigel’s mind?

The following day, Nigel and Phil come back home, leaving Julie feeling excluded and struggling with their close bond.

Before her job interview, Julie is a bundle of nerves, but Phil and Nigel’s assistance helps to lighten her mood.

However, the positive vibe is broken when Julie has to call off her interview to take care of Nigel.

Nigel becomes unsettled after wrongly assuming George Knight (Colin Salmon) is one of Julie’s former flames.

It seems that Nigel and Julie’s marriage hasn’t been all rosy.