Who was Nigel's first wife, Debbie, and what was the cause of her death?

It’s been 30 years since Debbie passed away.

This week’s EastEnders episodes chart the emotional decline of Nigel Bates, whose dementia symptoms continue to worsen—leaving him drifting between memories of his late wife Debbie and estranged wife Julie.

In Monday night’s heartbreaking scenes (June 23), Nigel remembered Debbie on the anniversary of her passing, placing a photo on Phil’s fridge as a tribute—though he amusingly called it a “phridge” in his confusion.

The emotional moments continue tonight, as a disoriented Nigel tries to help Lexi with her homework. Mistaking her for his daughter Clare, he heartbreakingly breaks the news once again—that her ‘mum’ had died.

So, who exactly was Debbie Bates, and what led to her tragic death?

Who was Debbie Bates, Nigel’s first wife?
Debbie made her first appearance on EastEnders in 1993, arriving on Albert Square with her young daughter, Clare Tyler. She met Nigel at his birthday party, and the two quickly grew close, with Debbie moving in shortly afterward.

In 1994, Nigel and Debbie got married, and they enjoyed a happy life together for nearly a year—until tragedy abruptly ended their time as a couple.

How did Debbie die?
In June 1995, Nigel was left heartbroken when he was informed that Debbie had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. The police told him she had stepped out into the road and was struck by a car, dying instantly.

After Debbie’s death, her abusive father Liam returned and tried to gain custody of Clare. However, he was unsuccessful, and Nigel eventually adopted Clare as his own daughter.

In 2008, when Clare returned to Walford, she visited her mother’s grave with Dot Cotton. Since being diagnosed with dementia, Nigel has often believed he is seeing or speaking with Debbie and Clare, especially during moments with young Lexi Pearce.

Nigel later married his current wife, Julie—whom he has since ghosted without explanation following his dementia diagnosis.