Fans of EastEnders are asking ‘does Nigel die’ after a terrifying ‘death’ scene involving Nigel Bates on Wednesday.

The character, who has been diagnosed with dementia, was left alone in the bath, leading to worrying scenes. Earlier in the episode, fans had been “weeping” over emotional scenes with Nigel and his wife Julie Bates.

But the cliffhanger at the end of the latest episode of the BBC soap sparked concern that Nigel might die and could be leaving the show sooner than we thought. In the closing moments, Phil Mitchell had got distracted while he was supposed to be keeping an eye on Nigel.

Nigel and Julie had renewed their wedding vows in sweet scenes, and after recent drama between Phil and Julie the pair seemed to be on track. When Phil took Nigel home, he ran him a bath before heading downstairs.

 

Phil was having a chat with his nephew Mark Fowler Jr and Julie, where topic of conversation turned to Mark telling Julie about Phil’s plans to take Nigel to Portugal. Phil had also tried to discuss the care home space that was available, amid him and Julie disagreeing over what was right for Nigel.

While this was all going on, Nigel got in the bath unaccompanied without anyone realising. In horrifying scenes he appeared to sink under the water, with him suddenly not moving.

The scenes left fans horrified with spoilers not revealing the moment in advance or what comes next. So will Phil get to Nigel in time, and will he be okay?

Viewers are fearing this could lead to Nigel’s tragic death, and that actor Paul Bradley could be leaving the soap. Taking to social media, fans shared their panic over the scenes, as others admitted their tears over the vow renewal.

One fan said: “Nigel and Julie’s vow renewal has me WEEEEEEEPING. Paul, Karen, and Steve are CARRYING Wadey’s era on their backs FOR REAL.”

Another fan said: “okay but if thats how nigel passes i’m not gonna recover for a good few weeks wtf.” A third fan added: “wait?! they aren’t killing nigel off yet are they????”

A fourth fan commented: “I knew something would happen to Nigel,” as a fifth viewer added: “Did Nigel just…” A further post from a viewer said: “I swear if this is how Nigel dies dude.”

Viewers will have to tune in on Thursday to find out what happens to Nigel, and if he will be okay. If he dies survive, will Phil finally face up to the fact that Nigel needs care?