This week’s episodes of EastEnders sees the sad decline of Nigel Bates continue as his dementia symptoms worsen – remembering ex-wife Debbie Bates and current estranged wife Julie, as he flits between past and present.
In heartbreaking scenes last night (Monday, June 23), Nigel spoke of his ex-wife as he recalled the anniversary of Debbie’s death, popping a photo on Phil’s phridge – sorry, fridge – in memorial.
This continues tonight, as a confused Nigel sat down to help Lexi with her schoolwork. And, mistaking her for his own daughter Clare, set about breaking the news – all over again – that her ‘mum’ had died.
But who was Debbie Bates, and how exactly did she die?
It was the anniversary of Debbie’s death (Credit: BBC)
Who was Debbie Bates, Nigel’s first wife?
Debbie first appeared in EastEnders in 1993, arriving on Albert Square along with her young daughter, Clare Tyler. Meeting Nigel at his birthday party, the pair soon hit it off, and she moved in soon after.
In 1994, Nigel married Debbie, and the pair were content in their relationship for almost a year… when their life together was cut tragically short.
Nigel and Debbie were married in 1994 (Credit: BBC/YouTube)
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