EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders’ Mark Fowler tries to convince his dad Grant Mitchell to return to Walford next week, as Nigel Bates battles a serious case of pneumonia. Will Grant accept Mark’s request to reunite with his family?
Aware that Nigel’s health is declining rapidly, Mark suggests to Sam that they should bring Grant up to speed on the worrying situation.

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Sam dismisses the idea, before reflecting on the fact that the Mitchell siblings have drifted apart since they lost Peggy, which encourages Mark to take matters into his own hands…
“Mark leaves Grant a voicemail asking him to return to the Square,” reveals our EastEnders insider. “He makes the call after Sam admits that she, Phil and Grant have been distant ever since their beloved mum passed away, which is nearly 10 years ago now.
“It’s an emotional declaration, and Mark responds by telling Sam that Nigel’s condition could spark a reunion between them…”
The week begins with Julie, Callum and Lexi visiting Nigel at the care home, where Julie takes a special moment to read a book to her poorly husband. Could this be one of Julie’s last visits to see Nigel?
Later, Lexi receives support from the Mitchell family, who join forces after realising that the teenager is reluctant to attend school.

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“Sam knows that Phil is the only one who will be able to get through to Lexi,” shares our source. “She cleverly enlists his help, and eventually, the Mitchells find out why Lexi doesn’t want to go to school.
“It’s obviously a difficult topic for Lexi to open up about, so it’s lovely that she has so much trust in Phil. Those two have a unique bond that will hopefully last a lifetime.”
That evening, Sam breaks the news to Phil that Nigel’s pneumonia is steadily getting worse. How will Phil react to such tragic news about his best friend?

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Out on the Square, Mark and Sam reflect on Nigel’s condition, leading to their heartfelt conversation about Grant, and the relationship between the Mitchell siblings.
After Mark picks up the phone to his dad, will Grant agree to return to Albert Square? Or will he refuse to face his family as Nigel’s condition spirals?
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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