Eastenders’ Nigel Bates actor lands new role just weeks after heartbreaking show death
HE moved EastEnders fans with his on-screen decline from dementia as long-serving character Nigel Bates.
And Paul Bradley has now landed his next role, just weeks after Nigel’s death on the BBC soap.
The actor – known also for his roles on The Young Ones, Red Dwarf and Holby City – will take on the role of Jerry in the world premiere of a new stage play called The Market Deeping Model Railway Club.
Opening at Nottingham’s Playhouse Theatre on July 6, Paul will star alongside some familiar TV faces.
I’m A Celebrity star & TV comic Babatunde Aléshé will also star, as well as Hollyoaks actor James Bradshaw and Gavin & Stacey’s Adrian Scarborough.
The Market Deeping Model Railway Club is based on a true story.
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It follows the club of minature train enthusiasts who find their chances of victory at the Annual Show in tatters when a group of thugs destroy their entry into the contest.
The group must rally to piece their miniature world back together – with their story gaining attention from all over the world.
Even rocker Sir Rod Stewart hears of the plight, and offers help, thanks to his own enthusiasm for model trains.
The story takes a turn, as the members of the club find themselves analysing their own lives and futures.
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The group face the question: what exactly is it about their everyday lives, that makes recreating the England of the past in miniature so appealing?
The small-town story has been adapted for the stage by Nottingham playwright William Ivory.
The play is a comedy/drama and deals with themes of community, friendship, and British eccentricity, as well as abuse and bereavement.
Paul starred as Nigel in EastEnders on and off for 34 years.
He first appeared in the BBC One soap back in 1992 until 1998, before returning in 2024.
He returned to Albert Square for a 16 month storyline which saw Nigel’s health deteriorate and eventually pass away in emotional scenes that aired at the end of April.
The tragic plot saw Ross Kemp return to the soap as Grant Mitchell, to say goodbye to his old friend.