EastEnders is dipping back into its past this summer as Karen Henthorn returns to Walford as Julie Bates, nearly three decades after her last appearance. But don’t expect a sentimental reunion.
The long-absent character will reappear in search of her husband, Nigel (played by Paul Bradley), who quietly returned to Albert Square in December. At the time, Nigel told friends the marriage had ended. What he didn’t reveal is the real reason he left: a diagnosis of dementia.
Julie’s return is set to kick off a major emotional arc, with the weight of secrets, distance and regret ready to crash into the lives of those around them. Executive Producer Ben Wadey says the storyline will raise difficult questions for both characters.
Julie originally arrived in Walford in 1997 as a teacher at Clare’s school. She and Nigel fell in love over a local community play, eventually exiting the soap together in 1998. Their return, now split by circumstance and illness, is expected to land with long-time viewers who remember their gentle chemistry.
Henthorn, who last filmed in the Square 27 years ago, called the experience “very surreal” and praised her scenes with Bradley and Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell. “Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive,” she said.
Her comeback storyline is expected to explore the emotional fallout of Nigel’s condition and the isolation he imposed by choosing to face it alone.
EastEnders continues to air Monday through Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
