EastEnders aired a surprise cameo for Julie Bates, played by Karen Henthorn, on Monday (January 6) as the character was heard on-screen for the first time in 27 years.
Walford icon Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) returned on Christmas Eve and confirmed to his pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that he and Julie had separated.
But it soon transpired that Nigel was lying when he received a text message for his wife begging him to return home. During the latest trip to Albert Square, the mystery surrounding Nigel's past deepened when he refused to speak to Julie once more.
After Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) accused Nigel of 'using Phil for money' he quickly bagged himself a job at the café thanks to old friend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
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