EastEnders reveals unlikely new friendship for Nigel amid big Julie secret
EastEnders’ Nigel Bates drops a huge bombshell on struggling Julie next week, revealing that he’s taking her on the holiday of a lifetime. Julie continues to despair about her husband’s declining condition, but will Nigel be able to ease her worries with this trip?
“Julie is thrilled to be back with Nigel to support him through his dementia,” begins our insider. “Yet it’s difficult for her to see her spouse in this vulnerable state. She reaches out for support – but little does she know that Nigel is planning a big surprise!”
With Julie having recently bagged a teaching job at the school, this week she makes some more connections in the Square by offering to tutor teen Lily.
Lily and Jean head over to the house for the academic session, but things soon go very wrong when Nigel gets involved and accidentally upsets his wife.
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Jean oversees this chaotic incident and decides to go after Julie to make sure she is okay. This encourages Julie to finally open up, and the women have a poignant heart-to-heart…
“Julie spends all her time looking after others, but there’s rarely someone looking after her,” says our source. “It’s only when Jean checks in with her that she admits she’s finding things tough.”
However, Nigel is keeping a secret of his own, as he puts together a plan to take Julie on a trip to India!
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It’s a rather expensive trip though, and Nigel doesn’t have the funds to hand. Oscar discovers his plight and wants to help, so suggests that he sells his beloved car to get the money he needs.
This vehicle means a lot to Nigel, but Julie clearly means more, as later Oscar goes ahead and sells the car for him. The unlikely pals decide to take the motor for one final spin together – but Julie finds out and is far from pleased…
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“Julie is furious with Nigel and Oscar!” our insider reveals. “She scolds them for their risky scheme and reminds her husband that he isn’t even allowed to drive. It proves to be a very testing day for Julie, but she thankfully has her new friend Jean for support, and they head to The Vic for a very deserved drink.”
But Julie is later overjoyed when Nigel spills the beans about their India getaway. Could this holiday be just what the couple needs?