Jon Lee is set to return to EastEnders on May 1, 2026, nearly 30 years after his original appearance in 1997. He will reprise his role as Josh Saunders for the funeral of Nigel Bates, marking a significant moment in the show’s history.
Lee’s character, Josh, appeared in 20 episodes during his initial run. Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, died following a battle with dementia. This storyline concludes a long-running narrative within the show.
Jon Lee expressed that it felt “surreal” to step back onto Albert Square after so many years. He last appeared in EastEnders in 1998. Gemma Bissix will also return for the funeral as Clare, Nigel’s estranged stepdaughter.
Key facts:
- Jon Lee originally joined EastEnders as a teenager in 1997.
- S Club 7 was formed in 1998 and has sold over 10 million records.
- Lee has made multiple TV appearances since leaving EastEnders, including ‘Celebs Go Dating’.
This return aligns with a broader trend of nostalgia in television. Fans have welcomed the news of Lee’s comeback, especially given the emotional weight of the funeral storyline.
Gemma Bissix commented on the importance of returning for this pivotal moment: “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.” The inclusion of key characters from Nigel’s past enhances the emotional depth of this farewell episode.
