In true soap opera style, the emotional affair didn't happen without a stumbling block or two.
Following his death, it was confirmed that Gemma Bissix and S Club 7 star Jon Lee would be reprising their roles as Clare Bates and Josh Saunders. While Bissix appeared in a few episodes earlier this year, Lee's return would be the first time that he'd stepped foot in Albert Square in 28 years.
Ahead of his return, Lee said: "It was quite surreal stepping back on to Albert Square after so many years as it’s so familiar to so many of us. It was lovely to see my onscreen family again".
Gemma and Josh arrived in today's episode as Julie struggled to write her eulogy. Emotions were running high for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) too, who broke down as he was gifted Nigel's watch.
The locals slowly filtered into the Mitchell residence to pay their respects, with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) having an uncomfortable reunion with Clare – some 18 years since they last crossed paths and she blackmailed him.
While listening to Grant's pleas, Delaney overheard Sam's voice – and revealed that they had history. After Grant had slept with Delaney's wife, he'd sought revenge by sleeping with Sam.
When their relationship soured, Sam made off with his grandfather's chain that had huge sentimental and monetary value. Delaney now wanted this, along with £200,000, to secure Mark's freedom.
Mark was in a bad way, and although Grant had promised to handover the money by the end of the day, he also wanted his grandad's chain back. Sam tried to compromise by offering him Nigel's watch, though Phil was vehemently against it.
The group then made their way to the church where Julie, Clare, Josh and the rest of Albert Square were waiting outside. After Julie's eulogy, Phil and Grant delivered a moving tribute to Nige, before everyone headed home.
Sam grabbed Phil and ordered him and Grant to The Arches to raise a toast to Nigel. There, she admitted that the watch she'd given Delaney actually belonged to Billy, and that she'd kept the real article safe.
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