EastEnders fans are convinced Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) is set for a new romance, and his best pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) will be devastated.

As fans of the BBC soap will know, Nigel and his estranged wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) recently moved back to Walford amid Nigel’s dementia diagnosis.

Phil has been caring for Nigel since earlier this year, following his near-death experience in February, and the two childhood friends make great company for each other.

However, the atmosphere in the Mitchell household has become tense as Phil and Julie clash over Nigel’s needs. On Monday (8th September), Nigel and Julie were devastated when their three chickens were killed by foxes.

Nigel quickly became distressed by his memory loss, but also grew suspicious of Julie, who was persistently making mystery phone calls.

Julie tried to reassure her husband that the call was about a potential job; however, the conversation brought back old feelings as Julie reminded Nigel that she once had an affair.

Later, to get out of the house, Nigel and Phil enjoyed a day in the countryside, but at home, Julie felt left out and struggled with their tight-knit friendship.

Julie is a bundle of nerves ahead of her job interview, but her mood is lifted as Phil and Nigel help her prepare. Have the trio turned a corner?

Despite Phil and Julie not having a great relationship, some EastEnders viewers are now predicting a love affair as their bond grows stronger over Nigel’s anguish.

On Reddit, one person wrote: “Julie, they hate each other, so realistically, when Nigel dies, they’ll turn to each other.”