Nigel Bates has returned to EastEnders for the first time in 26 years in the soap’s Christmas Eve episode.
The character, played by Paul Bradley, was seen at the community centre where Yolande Trueman, played by Angela Wynter, was volunteering during Tuesday’s episode.
Nigel left the BBC soap in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) left Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn) and her son Josh Saunders (Jon Lee).
The BBC said Nigel will be reunited with his childhood best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) on Christmas Day.
Bradley, 69, said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to…