EastEnders viewers are speculating a shocking affair for Julie Bates with a resident of Walford, which would leave her husband Nigel heartbroken.

Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, made his comeback to the BBC One soap last year, over thirty years since his first appearance. In a tragic

twist, it was unveiled that Nigel was grappling with dementia and had abruptly left his wife Julie Haye, portrayed by Karen Henthorn.

Nigel confessed that he didn’t want to become a burden to Julie due to his condition, leading him to disappear.

Upon arriving in Walford, he found a friend in Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who took care of him. Nigel returned the favour when Phil was dealing with his own mental health issues.

However, this year saw the return of Nigel’s wife Julie to Albert Square, as she sought to find Nigel, believing he had been missing since the previous year, reports OK!.

Initially, Julie insisted that Nigel return with her to Scotland, but Nigel was adamant about staying with his good mate Phil. Eventually, Julie was convinced to relocate to Walford for Nigel’s sake, and she recently moved in with them.

This week, however, things took an intriguing turn when Nigel discovered Julie making a mysterious phone call that left her visibly upset. After witnessing this, Nigel began to suspect that she was keeping something from him.

In Thursday’s episode (August 28), Julie surprised Nigel with a touching gesture: she brought his cherished car down from Scotland to Walford.

However, in a shocking turn of events, fans are now speculating that Julie might be having an extramarital affair, and the person she’s involved with could be someone from Walford.

“Can’t put my finger on it but there’s something off about Julie…” one viewer expressed on an EastEnders Facebook fan page. Predicting a possible liaison with Phil, another fan speculated: “Her and Phil will have an affair.”

Echoing this sentiment, another added: “I think you’re right they will have a night of passion.” A fourth chimed in with: “Ugh I hope not but you never know.”