Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) ordeal is set to take another devastating turn in EastEnders, as brand new spoilers for next week in the popular BBC soap.

Struggling with the symptoms of his worsening dementia, he divulges his shock decision that he wants to end his own life, something that rocks Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to the core.

As he is left reeling, advice is given that prompts him to hit upon an idea – but what will it change?

Elsewhere, Nicola (Laura Doddington) is in a panic as the murder of Shireen closes in around her.

She demands a job of who she hopes will be an ally, but will it be enough to cover the crime?

Monday April 21
It’s Easter on the Square, and the residents of Walford are abuzz for the forthcoming egg hunt. Nigel feels suffocated by Phil’s overprotectiveness, but after a request from Yolande to suit up as the Easter bunny, Nigel spies an opportunity to prove himself to Phil.

All is going well until Nigel and Harvey argue after he confuses Hope for Clare. After the altercation, Jean, Harvey and Ian question Phil on Nigel’s wellbeing and he finally reveals all about his dementia diagnosis.

Jean chats to Nigel in EastEnders
Jean now knows about Nigel’s diagnosis (Picture: BBC)

Teddy attempts to take a clandestine call from Junior about their project, but when Nicola overhears the conversation, Teddy is forced to reveal all.

Despite Nicola’s pleas, Teddy refuses to pull out of the business deal, and later recruits Ross to join the build. When Nicola arrives to offer Teddy support, she is shocked to hear the location of the site – it’s the same place where Shireen’s body is buried.

Nicola speaks to Benji at Harry’s Barn in EastEnders
Nicola is in for a shock (Picture: BBC)
At No.45, Priya encourages Avani to spend time with her friends, but it is clear they are avoiding her when Avani’s texts go unanswered.

At McKlunky’s, Priya persuades Avani to have lunch with Barney, where the pair later make amends. Elsewhere, Zack is deflated when Barney refuses his offer to help with Tommy and Joel, and things soon go from bad to worse.

Teddy gives the Knights an update on The Vic rebuild, but it’s clear Kojo isn’t thrilled at the prospect of moving home…

Tuesday April 22
At No.55, Nigel attempts to explain his reasoning to Phil, but Phil refuses to listen and leaves. Jean arrives to speak to Nigel, and the pair have a heart-to-heart about his dementia, but Nigel keeps quiet about Phil’s discovery.

Phil heads to No.25 to seek solace with Linda who encourages him to support Nigel through his diagnosis.

Buoyed by their chat, Phil heads back to No.55 to make amends with Nigel, but his concerns are raised when he returns to find his goodbye letter.

Phil Mitchell and Linda Carter in EastEnders

Linda offers her help to Phil over Nigel (Picture: BBC)
Nicola talks to Ravi in EastEnders
Will Ravi come round to Nicola’s request? (Picture: BBC)
At No.1, Nicola panics as Teddy informs her that construction will begin at the site this week. Nicola summons Benji to Harry’s Barn. Out of options, Nicola tells Ravi she has a job for him.

At No.25, Kojo expresses his wishes to live alone, but George isn’t convinced despite persuasion from Gina. Determined to prove himself, Kojo lands himself a trial shift at The Arches with Harry.

Wednesday April 23
Phil searches for Nigel, but his fears are raised when Yolande and Jean confirm they haven’t seen him. Linda joins Phil in his search. Linda attempts to reason with Phil as he and Nigel finally make amends, before Nigel reluctantly agrees to return home.

Phil and Nigel talk about his decision in EastEnders
Phil and Nigel have a lot to talk about (Picture: BBC)
Back at No.55, Nigel breaks down as he insists he wants to end his life before the dementia takes hold.

Phil attempts to dissuade Nigel, but to no avail. Later, in the café, Yolande gives Phil food for thought and he comes up with a plan.

Thursday April 24
At No.1, Teddy, Harry and Barney pull out all the stops for Nicola’s birthday, but it’s clear she’s distracted.

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Nicola summons Ravi to Walford East and offers him £10k for a job. At the Arches, Nicola lies to Harry and manages to secure a customer’s van for the job.

Nigel is overwhelmed by Phil’s overzealous, caring approach and Phil later tells Kathy that Nigel is no longer capable of working at the café.