DEEP SADNESS! EastEnders confirms crushing exit and a nation's heart is broken

EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (May 20) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer. The episode in question will air at 7:30pm.

It’s an update that I hoped I’d never have to write – and news that EastEnders fans prayed wouldn’t come to pass – but sadly Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) has confirmed she’s leaving the Square after husband Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) funeral.

No, you’re crying.

Julie, as viewers know, returned to Walford after three decades away in the wake of Nigel, who reconnected with old mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), revealing that he’d been diagnosed with dementia.

Nigel initially kept Julie in the dark about his diagnosis, believing he was protecting her from what he was going through, but she subsequently arrived in Walford and proved the rock Phil needed amid his vow to be by Nige’s side until the very end.

Bringing her back not only benefited the storyline but also the BBC One soap in general, with Julie slotting seamlessly into the current show landscape, elevating every scene she’s in – largely due to powerhouse Karen Henthorn’s performances – and becoming one of the best characters not only the Square but soap in general has to offer.

Her unexpected friendship with Phil provided for some of the best scenes in recent EastEnders memory, with stars Karen and Steve doing superb work alongside Nigel star Paul in what proved to be a devastatingly authentic portrayal of dementia, showcasing what soap is capable of as a genre.

Julie kisses Nigel goodbye in EastEnders — Julie was by husband Nigel’s side right until the very end (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

In emotional scenes last month, Nigel passed away in a care home with Julie and Phil – the two people who meant the most to him in the whole world – by his side.

Wednesday’s (May 20) edition of the BBC One soap saw the day of his funeral arrive and the day proved upsetting for Julie, who struggled to find the right words to pay tribute to her beloved sweetheart.

Clare Bates (Gemma Bissix), who had returned once more for the service, had an idea, recalling an old poem Nigel helped her with as part of an English assignment from when she was a child. In the poem, Nigel imagined himself as an older person looking back on his life.

Phil Mitchell standing near Julie Bates sitting on a sofa in EastEnders. — Julie and Phil were bonded by grief – and their unexpected friendship proved to be one of soap’s most memorable (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

Julie is consoled by Yolande and Linda in EastEnders — She has become a true staple of the Walford community in a short space of time (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

The idea proved to be the perfect solution, with Julie tearfully reading it aloud at the beautiful service, providing the mourners with some catharsis as Nige’s nearest and dearest paid tribute to the ‘unforgettable’ titan of the Square by wearing some of his signature colourful ties.

Phil and Grant, meanwhile, got up to say a few words, honouring the legacy of their kind, dear friend. Phil broke down as he recalled how Nigel saved his life amid his mental health battle before sharing a moment at the coffin with the ‘best mate’ he ever had.

Julie stands beside Nigel's coffin in the church in EastEnders — Julie paid tribute to her beloved sweetheart Nigel, with some help from Clare, Phil and Grant (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron)

After the service, Julie and Phil spent some time outside with the chickens. Julie revealed that she would be leaving the Square to return to Scotland as it’s where the happiest memories of her time with Nigel are.

If she follows through and departs, she’ll leave not only a huge hole in the landscape of EastEnders but perhaps an even greater one in our hearts