Nigel accuses major EastEnders character of being a paedophile in heartbreaking early BBC iPlayer release

Troubling times for Nigel Bates in today’s EastEnders (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed on iPlayer now.

Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) young-onset dementia has worsened during Albert Square’s Easter celebrations.

The 90s legend returned to the area in December after almost three decades away, but it soon became clear that he’d fallen on hard times.

Estranged from wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), he confided in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) that he was living with a young-onset dementia diagnosis and didn’t want to force her into caring for him.

With his condition spiralling, he was forced to tell best pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) – and hoped that by telling him of his struggle, it would help with his own mental health battle.

Last week, Nige had to be brought home by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), who had found him outside of the pharmacy, mistaking it for his old video shop.

In turn, Phil has become somewhat overbearing to his mate, requesting that he doesn’t leave the house unless he’s accompanied by him.

In today’s episode, he was more determined than ever to prove that he was still capable.

Nige was more than happy to put on the costume (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) The joy turned to anger when he thought Hope was Clare (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

After bumping into Yolande, she asked him to don an Easter bunny costume and help out with the egg hunt in the Square Gardens.

Whilst not sold on the idea, Phil took joy from seeing Nigel enjoy himself, and told Denise Fox (Diane Parish) that having him around was assisting in his own recovery.

Events soon took a troubling turn when he darted towards Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), and branded him a ‘paedo’.

Unfortunately, he’d mistaken young Hope Fowler for his adoptive daughter Clare.

This isn’t the first time he’s become concerned about Clare, as he previously confused Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) for her.

Harvey was full of rage as Nigel tried to drag Hope away, demanding an explanation. Phil ordered his pal to leave, and he quickly got out of the bunny costume at the laundrette.

Harvey was left guilt-ridden when he learnt the truth, but believed that Nigel could be a danger to himself (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Yolande chased after him, while Phil was forced to offer an explanation to Harvey, Jean and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).

They wondered whether he had mental health issues, or was addicted to drugs or alcohol. The truth was outed, and the residents were left heartbroken.

Jean became concerned that looking after Nigel would become too much of a strain for Phil, but he asserted that they were both ok – and didn’t need anyone else’s help.

However, back at home, Nigel had left his phone on the dining table. Phil opened it up, and made an unsettling discovery.

But what has Phil found?

EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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