EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s episode (22 April), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.

Note: This article contains discussion of topics including suicide.

EastEnders’ Nigel Bates has been caught up in a terrifying situation after making a big decision about his future – and his life is in danger.

With Nigel’s young onset dementia gradually worsening, Phil discovered a shocking secret about his dear friend this week.

He stumbled upon a video where Nigel told his future self to take his own life, should his memory decline past a certain point and he was unable to answer a set list of questions.

nigel, phil mitchell, eastenders

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Nigel found Phil watching the video in today’s episode, and he was confronted about his heartbreaking plan.

Phil was furious and hurt, considering he had attempted suicide earlier this year.

As tensions flared between the two friends, Phil snapped and told Nigel that he should just take his own life now, before storming out.

Later, Jean called round to see Nigel after finding out about his dementia diagnosis, and cheered him up with one of his favourite horror films.

jean slater and nigel, eastenders

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Nigel was grateful for Jean’s support, but when she mentioned feeling like a burden while she was ill herself, he agreed and made it clear that he didn’t want to drag anyone down.

Meanwhile, Phil opened up to Linda about what had happened and explained that his discovery about Nigel had triggered traumatic memories of his mum Peggy’s death, and his feelings that he let her down.

After the candid chat, Linda encouraged Phil to be honest with Nigel himself. Phil took her advice and returned home, but only found a brief goodbye letter from Nigel.

nigel, eastenders

BBC
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Phil began to search the house, scared that his dear friend had already taken his own life. But Nigel had instead packed a bag, having decided to leave Walford.

On his way to the station, Nigel was intimidated by a group of teenagers, who taunted him and attempted to grab his bag.

As vulnerable Nigel tried to defend himself, he fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement. Will he be okay, and will Phil find his friend in time?

EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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