EastEnders character Debbie Bates is set to return to Albert Square after 30 years, as part of the soap's ongoing dementia storyline involving Nigel Bates. Actress Nicola Duffett will reprise her role in a special episode airing on Tuesday, December 23, which sees Paul Bradley's character transported back to the 1990s as his memory deteriorates.
In the episode, Debbie will slow dance with her husband in the Queen Vic pub as his dementia symptoms intensify, following an emotional evening at his festive film screening. Debbie married Nigel in 1994 and was killed off in a hit-and-run in 1995. She is among several characters appearing to Nigel in the pub as he navigates his worsening condition.
Also returning are Daniel Delaney and Teddy Jay as a young Phil and Grant Mitchell, alongside Shaun Williamson as Barry Evans. Barry was killed off more than 20 years ago when his wife Janine Butcher pushed him from a cliff in 2004. Shaun said: “It’s a pleasure to be back, but it is weird. So many things have changed… Just walking on to the set, my legs started shaking before we did the scene.”
Pam St Clement also reprises her role as Pat Butcher, who died in 2012. This marks Pat's second return since her death, having previously appeared in 2016. Pam commented: “Coming back to jump into those clothes and make-up again was strangely difficult. But I would say that the key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings.”
Nigel returned to the soap last December after 26 years and has been struggling with young onset dementia. EastEnders has worked with Dementia UK for the storyline. The special episode airs on BBC One on Tuesday, December 23 at 7.30pm.
