S Club’s Jon Lee returns to EastEnders after 29 years
S Club’s Jon Lee reprises his role as Josh Saunders in EastEnders after 29 years, appearing in a storyline centered on Nigel Bates’ funeral.
azat.tvJon Lee is returning to EastEnders as Josh Saunders for a funeral storyline, marking his first on-screen appearance in almost 30 years. The comeback was reported in late April/early May 2026 and coincides with Nigel Bates’ funeral arc, with Gemma Bissix also reprising her role as Clare Bates for the episodes.
Key details
- Role: Josh Saunders (son of Julie, Nigel Bates’ ex-wife)
- Connection: Nigel Bates’ funeral storyline
- Co-star: Gemma Bissix returns as Clare Bates
- Timeline: Filming began around May 1, 2026; broadcasts began shortly after with the funeral plot
- Context: This is one of EastEnders’ high-profile nostalgia moments designed to boost engagement and pay off a long-running dementia storyline for Nigel Bates
Where to watch
- The episodes featuring the return aired in late May 2026, within EastEnders’ regular Monday–Friday schedule on BBC One in the UK. If you’re outside the UK, check your local BBC or streaming options for availability.
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