Overview

• Karen Henthorn is reprising her role as Julie Bates this summer, marking her first on-screen appearance since 1998.
• Julie arrives in Walford to reunite with husband Nigel Bates, who returned alone to Albert Square last year.
• Nigel left without explanation because he did not want to burden Julie while coping with a dementia diagnosis.
• Executive producer Ben Wadey says Julie’s arrival will raise difficult questions as she learns of Nigel’s hidden health struggle.
• Karen Henthorn described filming with co-stars Paul Bradley and Steve McFadden as surreal and hinted at intense emotional scenes.