EastEnders’ Nigel Bates has visions of Pat and Barry Evans this Christmas, as his dementia symptoms intensify. Alone at the pub, Nigel’s mind plays tricks on him as he becomes increasingly confused by his surroundings. Then, Pat and Barry come back to life right before his eyes…

Before Nigel’s touching reunion, the community comes together for the screening of his film – but Phil and Julie are distracted, arguing over his future care. Lexi thankfully takes control and embraces her role as director of his Christmas movie.

But when Sam turns up, Kat leaps into action and insists that she’s not welcome. And the atmosphere turns even more sour when Julie reveals that Sam has been back in the country for months!

Once the audience finally take their seats, Nigel attempts to make a speech but struggles to read aloud. Sympathetic, Julie jumps on stage, which leads Nigel to realise that she has a bruise on her face – because of him…

“When Nigel realises he’s to blame for Julie’s injury, he flees,” reveals our insider. “Phil and Julie rush out to find him but argue while they’re at it. Without them knowing, Nigel overhears everything, so he demands that they leave him be and heads to The Vic.”

It is then that Nigel is joined by some ghosts of Christmas past in the form of Pat and Barry, with Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson reprising their roles for a very special episode that will air on Tuesday, 23 December.

After an imaginary sing-along with Barry at the pub, plus a chat with Pat, Nigel is found by Phil and Julie. There and then, Phil realises that he and Julie need more help when it comes to Nigel’s health. As a result, Phil begins an emotional conversation with Nigel while preparing to tell him the truth.

Back at the community centre, the locals continue to watch Nigel’s Christmas film, unaware of the situation at the pub. Eventually, Phil orders everyone to clear out as he processes the intensity of his evening – and once on his own, Phil has an important realisation…

As Nigel is supported by his loved ones over the Christmas period, can Phil and Julie come together as his carers, and will they be able to accept that things may need to change in the New Year?