EastEnders fans in tears over heartbreaking Phil and Nigel scenes after shock discovery

It was an emotional night for Nigel Bates in tonight's EastEnders, as he discovered his wife Julie had an affair a number of years ago.

Today, fans learnt that Julie had been unfaithful to Nigel previously, and although he knew at the time, due to his dementia he had forgotten the devastating events had ever happened. As she relayed the information back to him in tonight's episode, Nigel got upset all over again although Julie told him he'd already forgiven her.

He then confronted Julie about her mysterious phone calls, although Julie denied having an affair, revealing she'd been offered a job at a nearby school.

READ MORE: EastEnders fans livid as Jay's 'last scene' revealed after Jamie Borthwick exit

READ MORE: EastEnders' Max Branning and Stacey Slater 'reunite' 18 years after bombshell affair reveal

A fuming Nigel told Phil he wanted to take a getaway to the countryside with him, and as the two drove off, Nigel revealed he'd buried some 'treasure' with Grant years ago.

"Treasure that could help with my care package," he told Phil, who didn't seem convinced. After a long mission, Phil was shocked to discover that Nigel remembered exactly where himself and Grant had hidden the rare football cards decades ago.

After humorous scenes, where the pair were chased off the land by the owner, fans were left in tears by their heartwarming conversation.

"The Julie thing, the fact is you forgave her back then because that's who you are. You always see the good in people and that ain't changed Nige," Phil said. "You've still got what it takes to forgive again, I know you have. Then you'll make a new memory."

Nigel informed Phil the reason he and Grant had buried the 'treasure' was because Phil would have stolen the cards if he knew anything valuable was around.

"You can be a bit of a bully when you want to be. Really quite intimidating," Nigel said. With his head down he continued, "And at other times, you're the nicest person I know."

"If you really think that, you have gone MAD," Phil laughed, as he playfully pushed his friend.

Fans were moved by the heartwarming scenes, as one took to X, formerly known as Twitter to write: "I also like seeing this more carting and warming side to Phil's character. He still has that dark side when he needs to show it but deep down he's got a heart of gold and I think this what the dynamic between Phil and Nigel demonstrates. Love their scenes!"

Another added: "Phil and Nigel’s new kindled friendship is so sweet," as another wrote: "that was a sweet scene with Phil n Nigel, been waiting for ages."

A fourth tearful fan penned: "Absolutely adored the scenes today," alongside a crying emoji.

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,and Threads.