An EastEnders character is returning to the soap after 30 years.

Debbie Bates, played by Nicola Duffett, will reappear in a special episode as part of a dementia storyline centred around her husband Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley.

The episode will take Nigel, who has recently returned to Walford after 26 years, back to the 1990s as his dementia symptoms worsen.

Debbie last appeared in the BBC soap in 1995 when she was killed in a hit-and-run.

She first appeared in Walford in 1993 before becoming a love interest for Nigel Bates after meeting him at his birthday party.

The couple married in July 1994.

After her death, police told Nigel that she had walked out into a road and someone had hit her at speed, killing her instantly.

Nigel went on to adopt Debbie's daughter, Clare and on the 13th anniversary of Debbie's death in 2008, Clare and Dot Branning visit her grave.

Debbie will appear in memory scenes during an emotional night at a film screening.

Nicola will reprise her role for the special

© South Wales Argus