Note: This article discusses subject matter such as dementia.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders has revealed a major change for Phil and Sam Mitchell in the aftermath of Nigel Bates’s special episode. With the latter continuing in his struggle to hold onto his memories, will Phil and Sam put their quarrels aside for the greater good?
Sam returned to East London last week, and was immediately up to her old tricks as she attempted to steal money from her brother Phil. She was caught in the act by Nigel, though managed to get away with it after he mistook her for his daughter, Clare.
Knowing that Nigel was suffering with early-onset dementia, Sam sensed an opportunity and attempted to take advantage of his memory issues in order to secure more money, though her family eventually caught on to her schemes.
In scenes set to air in the week commencing Monday 22 December, the residents of Walford will rally around Nigel as they all attend a film screening, though Sam gets a shock as she is rebuffed by Kat and Julie, who tell her she’s not welcome.
BBC
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The following day, the BBC soap will air a special episode centring on Nigel, with the character heading to The Vic as he interacts with figures from his past. Realising that his symptoms are worsening, Phil and Julie agree that they need extra support.
Later in the week, Sam gets her own support from Zack Hudson after she discovers that she has breast cancer. She then heads to Phil and Julie, with the trio rallying around Nigel following the incident at The Vic.
BBC
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Once there, Phil and Sam have a candid conversation about how their respective lives have played out, and have a heart-to-heart about their family. They have a festive dinner, with Nigel making plans to make it a happy Christmas for all involved.
Sam returned to Albert Square earlier this month following nearly a year away, with Kim Medcalf reprising her role after previously departing the soap in January 2024. The stint will only be a short one, however, so it will be interesting to see what happens to Sam.
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.
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More information about dementia is available via organisations including the NHS and Dementia UK. Resources for readers in the US are available via the National Institutes of Health.