EastEnders viewers described Nigel Bates' death as 'devastating but perfectly pitched' - as the much-loved character passed away in heartbreaking scenes aired on Wednesday night.

Nigel - played by Paul Bradley - was a staple of the BBC soap in the 1990s and returned in 2024, after 26 years away.

He battled early onset dementia throughout his latest stint and more recently, was admitted to hospital for pneumonia. 

Nigel passed away in Wednesday's (April 30) episode, with devoted wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and long-term friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) by his bedside.

His final moments included a poignant mix of flashbacks and imagination, which saw Phil and Nigel have a last 'goodbye' on a beach.

Viewers also got a brief glimpse of Nigel as a child, skimming a stone in the ocean. 

Fans took to X to share their reactions to the devastating episode, as one penned: 'Good lord, #EastEnders always pulls an absolutely sensational episode out of the bag when needed, and most importantly, when deserved. 

'A fitting farewell for our Nigel. Those final 15 minutes? Perfect. Not enough words for Steve McFadden, Karen Henthorn and Paul Bradley.'

Another wrote: 'Nigel Bates found his stone and Phil Mitchell lost his rock.'

A third shared: 'So many thoughts after today's #EastEnders. We have been so lucky to have had the marvellous Paul Bradley back for so long, and I'll miss him and Nigel very much.'

Another impassioned viewer added: 'Karen Henthorn was magical today and I really hope she stays in Walford for years to come. RIP Nigel Bates - you will be missed.'

A fifth wrote: 'I wasn't sure if this show was capable of making me feel all the feels, but Nigel's death had the tears rolling. 

'What a great piece of writing and acting. Nigel was always a favourite of mine and I'll miss him. #EastEnders.'

A sixth commented: 'Nigel's death is absolutely devastating! Such an iconic old school character, I always loved him and his friendship with Phil! Dementia is such an awful disease! Fly high Nigel.'

The emotional episode began with Phil having been reluctant to see his old friend in his final moments.

Although recently returned brother Grant (Ross Kemp) found him at the beach - looking for a skimming stone like a treasured one Nigel once owned.

The pair argued as old tensions came to the surface, including Grant's tryst with Sharon last year.

They were ultimately united to go and see Nigel together - but not before Phil found the perfect stone.

Disaster struck when Grant's car broke down, but he convinced a pizza delivery man to drive Phil to the care home - giving up his own chance to say goodbye to Nigel.

After arriving, Phil handed over the chosen stone to Nigel and his hand closed around it.

Nigel's poignant final moments featured imagined scenes of him and Phil sitting together on the beach.

Here, Nigel told Phil about the stone's significance - it reminded him of a cherished moment with his dad.

At the care home, Phil apologised to Nigel and Julie for not having visited although Julie understood he was grieving.

With Julie's encouragement, Phil opened up to Nigel with final words as his friend passed away.

Phil said: 'You showed me how to be a different kind of man. You showed me how to be strong without using my fists.

'You showed me how to laugh when there weren't much to laugh about. You're the best mate I've ever had, Nige. I love you. And I'm going to be OK.'

Back on the imagined beach, Nigel gave the stone to Phil, saying he'd wanted it for him.

In a very moving moment, Nigel ventured towards the sea - where his younger self skimmed a stone across the water.

Viewers next saw Nigel pass away peacefully, with a heartbroken Phil and Julie looking on, as Julia's Theme played.

Speaking to the BBC about the impact his storyline made, Nigel actor Paul Bradley said: 'It's been an absolute privilege to return for a storyline that unfortunately is such a resonant subject for the viewers, but undoubtedly an important storyline to tell and raise awareness of.

'Returning to the set, and cast, has been amazing and it's been a rollercoaster. The fact that Steve is still there, and that I could work with him again was fantastic.

'There is mutual admiration there, and so it was great being asked back, and a privilege to tell this story.'

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.