EastEnders fans are predicting heart-wrenching Christmas, still reeling from the soap's poignant 40th-anniversary episodes. The mood in Walford has been particularly sombre following the catastrophic explosion at the Queen Vic, which claimed the life of Martin Fowler (James Bye). In the midst of the anniversary drama, viewers saw departure of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) in tonight's tear-jerker of an episode. Grant was drawn back to Albert Square by his old mate Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who sought his help for Phil's mental health struggles. During his fleeting visit, Grant was hit with the harrowing news that Nigel was battling dementia, a condition that would "eventually kill him." As the episode drew to a close, Grant extended an invitation to Nigel to join him in Portugal for care, but Nigel ultimately chose to stay, leading to a poignant farewell outside the tube station. Nigel's heartfelt wish to remember their parting moment has now sparked speculation among fans about his potential demise unfolding on-screen later this year. On Reddit, one viewer suggested: "Nigel's death should be the Christmas storyline this year," while another echoed the sentiment, fearing that the show's decision to introduce Nigel with a dementia plotline means his end could be imminent, reports the Mirror. A third fan weighed in: "It wouldn't be the first time they've done a harrowing/depressing Christmas storyline," recalling the unease they felt during a particularly grim festive episode, "I can still vividly remember my discomfort watching Trevor and Little Mo and That Christmas Dinner." Yet, some viewers are speculating that a key character might exit the Square well before the holiday season. One viewer mused, "I don't see him being in the show that long to be honest would love him too but i but i feel he will be gone come summertime. However when he leaves I hope its done with great thought and justice as Nigel is a great character now as he was back in the 90's he deserves that." Nigel Bates made a dramatic comeback to EastEnders on Christmas Eve after a 26-year absence, surprising fans by popping up at the community centre where Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) was lending a hand. His dementia diagnosis was kept secret upon his return. The character had previously bid farewell to Albert Square in April 1998, when he, his adopted daughter Clare, and his partner Julie Haye, along with her son Josh, left for a fresh start in Scotland. Reflecting on his much-anticipated return, actor Paul expressed his excitement: "I'm thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street."