Grant Mitchell Torn Between Suicidal Brother and Dying Friend in EastEnders Return
Where things stand
Updated May 11, 11:17 PMThe only widely corroborated facts remain that Nigel Bates is suffering from dementia and receiving end-of-life care, Grant Mitchell is torn between supporting his brother Phil, who is struggling with mental health, and being present for his dying friend, and Jon Lee will reprise his role as Josh Saunders for Nigel Bates' funeral. No further details about the funeral, other returning characters, or the resolution of Grant's dilemma have been confirmed by EastEnders or the actors' representatives. The storyline continues to draw praise for its portrayal of mental health and dementia.
Open questions
- Has Nigel Bates actually died, or is he still receiving end-of-life care?
- Will Grant Mitchell choose to stay with Phil or go to Nigel's funeral?
- What is the exact nature and severity of Phil Mitchell's mental health crisis?
- Which additional former cast members, if any, will return for the funeral?
- Will the funeral proceed without disruption, given unconfirmed reports of Mark Fowler Jr going missing?
Key actors
What's corroborated
Grant Mitchell faces a difficult decision amid Nigel's imminent death and Phil's mental health battle.
2 sourcesacross 1 articleJon Lee will reprise his role as Josh Saunders for Nigel Bates' funeral.
2 sourcesacross 2 articlesNigel was suffering from dementia and is now receiving end-of-life care.
2 sourcesacross 1 articleEastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 18th May at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
1 sourceacross 1 articleSam barges in and demands Mitchell sibling time.
1 sourceacross 1 article
Timeline5
Executive producer Ben Wadey teases more surprise returns after recent iconic comebacks.
The Independent confirms Jon Lee will reprise his role as Josh Saunders for Nigel Bates' funeral, reinforcing earlier reports.
Daily Mirror publishes article detailing Grant Mitchell's heartbreaking choice between his suicidal brother Phil and his dying friend Nigel on EastEnders.