Jon Lee is set to return to EastEnders on May 1, 2026, nearly three decades after his original appearance in the show, which began in 1997. He will reprise his role as Josh Saunders during the funeral of Nigel Bates, a character who has been central to a long-running dementia storyline.
The character of Josh Saunders appeared in a total of 20 episodes during his initial run, and Lee expressed that it felt ‘surreal’ to step back onto Albert Square after so many years. The funeral scene will also feature Gemma Bissix returning as Clare, Nigel’s estranged stepdaughter, thus bringing together significant figures from Nigel’s past.
This event occurs against the backdrop of a series of developments within EastEnders, particularly related to Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, who died following a lengthy battle with dementia. The storyline has resonated with audiences due to its sensitive handling of such an important issue.
Key facts about Jon Lee’s return:
- Jon Lee originally joined EastEnders as a teenager in 1997 and later became a member of S Club 7 shortly thereafter.
- S Club 7 is known for their popular hits like ‘Bring It All Back’ and ‘Don’t Stop Movin’, having sold over 10 million records worldwide.
- This return marks the conclusion of Nigel Bates’ storyline, which has been pivotal in exploring themes surrounding dementia.
Lee’s last appearance on EastEnders was in 1998, and since then he has made various TV appearances including shows like ‘Celebs Go Dating’. His return is part of the farewell episodes for Nigel Bates, which aim to provide closure for both the character and viewers alike.
The production team has emphasized the importance of having key figures from Nigel’s past present for this significant moment—an aspect that fans have eagerly anticipated. As Gemma Bissix noted, “He meant so much to her, and it felt right to be there for the conclusion of his story, as everyone came together to say their final goodbyes.” This sentiment highlights the emotional weight surrounding these farewell episodes.