EastEnders fans praised the 'best episode ever made' as emotional scenes saw Phil Mitchell bid farewell to Nigel Bates - as the latter was sent to a care home.

Phil (Steve McFadden) has cared for Nigel (Paul Bradley) over several months as he battles early onset dementia.

His condition has worsened as of late, with Phil and Nigel's wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), deciding it is time for him to enter a care home.  

In Thursday's episode, Nigel returned to Albert Square and the Queen Vic for one last time.

He enjoyed a cake and a pint with all of his friends and in an emotional moment, briefly recognised his step-daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix).

The episode ended with Phil bidding farewell to his old friend at the care home - and the emotion was palpable.

Speaking to his pal, Phil said: 'I'm sorry, Nigel, for letting you down.

'I love you, Nige, I do. But I can't help, I can't watch...'

Phil's eyes then started welling with tears, as he continued: 'I can't do this.

'I'm sorry, I can't be here for you anymore, Nige. I can't.'

He then gripped Nigel's hand one last time, before walking out of the room while still crying. 

One fan penned: 'Credit where credit is due, today's episode was brilliant, definitely the best of this era so far. That moment where Nigel finally recognised Clare again was particularly poignant.'

Another wrote: 'I feel totally broken,' adding, 'Just so sad seeing how quickly Nigel has worsened.

'The storyline has been done brilliantly and everyone involved as been amazing but it's a tough watch.'

A third person on X said that it was their 'favourite soap episode of the year so far.

'A devastating, community-centred half hour of television that I won't stop thinking about for ages, as the next chapter of Nigel's story begins. That final Phil scene destroyed me.'

While a Reddit user remarked: 'What an incredible, powerful episode.

'Among the rest of it, it is always so moving to see the broken, emotionally vulnerable Phil. Steve McFadden plays it so well.'

'One of, if not the best episode of the Ben Wadey era so far.

'So hard-hitting and sad. Every scene mattered', commented a fifth.

The poignant storyline saw actress Gemma Bissix reprise her role as Clare - nearly 20 years since she last featured on the BBC soap.

Gemma, 42, originated the role as a child from 1993 to 1998, with a brief return in 2008.

Discussing her return, she previously said: 'It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigel's storyline. 

'I was hoping to get the call as I think the fans wanted EastEnders to revisit their relationship. Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90's with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship!

'It has been so great to reconnect with Paul and Karen after all these years, and it's crazy how time felt like it had stopped when we did!'

She added: 'I grew up on the set of EastEnders and essentially learnt my craft there, so it's been a real full circle moment!

'Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!'

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.