Nigel Bates

Nigel Bates
EastEnders character
Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates (1998)
Portrayed by	Paul Bradley Sam Miles (2025 flashbacks)
Duration	1992–1998, 2024–present
First appearance	Episode 742 17 March 1992 (1992-03-17)
Classification	Present; regular
Introduced by	Leonard Lewis (1992) Chris Clenshaw (2024)
In-universe information Occupation Shopkeeper Cashier Wife Debbie Tyler (1994–1995) Julie Haye Adoptive daughters Clare Bates Stepsons Josh Saunders

Nigel Bates is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Bradley from 1992 to 1998. Introduced in 1992 by Leonard Lewis, the character was incorporated gradually and brought back as a regular following a brief stint due to a popular reception. He is depicted as a "lovable loser" and a "nerd". Bradley quit the role and Nigel was written out of the serial in April 1998 and was given a happy ending. The door was left open for a possible future return and the character made an unannounced return on 24 December 2024.