Iconic EastEnders character returns to highlight | UK News

EastEnders has introduced the return of Karen Henthorn as Julie Bates, set to make waves in Walford this summer time. The character was final seen over twenty years in the past, departing the Square in 1997, and will reappear amidst her husband Nigel Bates’ (performed by Paul Bradley) escalating battle with dementia.

Nigel made a shock comeback final 12 months, revealing he had parted methods with Julie. He later confessed his true causes for leaving; his willpower to face his dementia without burdening Julie.

But as Phil Mitchell struggles to care for his good friend alone, it is taken a harrowing toll.

Kat Slater seen Phil’s misery and urged him to contact Julie, despite Phil’s hesitance to go against Nigel’s needs. Nevertheless, it seems Kat’s advice has received out, ushering in Julie’s long-awaited return.

It’s been an astonishing 27 years since Karen graced Albert Square alongside Paul Bradley. Reflecting on the expertise, she expressed how “delightful” it has been to reunite with her former co-star, experiences the Mirror.

“It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone!” she remarked.

She hinted at a rocky path forward for her character: “Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive. It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.”

Executive Producer Ben Wadey has expressed his pleasure over Karen Henthorn’s return to the enduring Square as Julie, stating: “We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel.

“Julie hasn’t seen Nigel in nearly two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and causes for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.”

Although it’s been nearly thirty years since Julie was last spotted on the Square, her voice made a surprise comeback earlier this year when Nigel received a voicemail from his wife. In the message, Julie’s voice implored: “Nigel, it is Julie again. I do not know if you bought my final message or..

“Listen, Nigel, I promise I’m not cross, whatever reason you walked out and disappeared, I just really need to know if you’re alright mate.”

While the precise date of Julie’s onscreen look stays under wraps, with Karen already on set, viewers can anticipate her arrival in the forthcoming weeks.

The huge query stays: how will Nigel reply to Julie’s sudden return?