Debbie Bates, played by Nicola Duffett, will reappear in a special episode as part of a dementia storyline centred around her husband Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley.
The episode will take Nigel, who has recently returned to Walford after 26 years, back to the 1990s as his dementia symptoms worsen.
When did Debbie Bates last appear in EastEnders?
Debbie last appeared in the BBC soap in 1995 when she was killed in a hit-and-run.
She first appeared in Walford in 1993 before becoming a love interest for Nigel Bates after meeting him at his birthday party.
The couple married in July 1994.
After her death, police told Nigel that she had walked out into a road and someone had hit her at speed, killing her instantly.
Nigel went on to adopt Debbie’s daughter, Clare and on the 13th anniversary of Debbie’s death in 2008, Clare and Dot Branning visit her grave.
Debbie will appear in memory scenes during an emotional night at a film screening.
Nicola will reprise her role for the special EastEnders episode, which is part of Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.
Other EastEnders stars also returning for special episode
Nicola is not the only returning star, with Shaun Williamson also back as Barry Evans, who was killed off in 2004 when Janine Butcher pushed him off a cliff.
Barry will appear alongside his late stepmother Pat Evans, played by Pam St Clement , who died of cancer on screen in 2012.
Younger versions of Phil and Grant Mitchell, played by Daniel Delaney and Teddy Jay, will also appear in the episode, which will see Nigel transported back in time through his declining memory.
Mr Williamson said: “It’s a pleasure to be back, but it is weird. So many things have changed as well, and they would do in 22 years.
“Just walking onto the set, my legs started shaking before we did the scene.
“The scriptwriters do a brilliant job, and it was just spot on, so it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of it.”
I’m dreaming of an #EastEnders Christmas… pic.twitter.com/xVlhV3qCXK
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) December 20, 2025
Pam St Clement, 83, also spoke about her return to the Square.
She said: “I’m very spoilt here because I’m part of something which has happened out of the period of time that I was a regular on EastEnders, and also, some very interesting work.
“Coming back to jump into those clothes and make-up again was strangely difficult.
“But I would say that the key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings.”
EastEnders has worked with Dementia UK for the ongoing storyline.
Nigel Bates returned to Walford on December 24, 2024, after more than two decades away, with viewers watching his journey through young-onset dementia.
The episode will air on BBC One on December 23 at 7.30pm.
