EastEnders’ Nigel Bates faces the music next week as the day of his hearing finally arrives – will he go to jail? Having owned up to causing the accident that injured Jasmine Fisher and Gina Knight, Nigel awaits his fate, while distraught Julie prepares herself for the possibility her terminally ill husband could soon be banged up…

“Julie did everything she could to protect Nigel,” begins our EastEnders insider.

“She tried to take the blame and pretend she was behind the wheel, but Nigel is determined to own his mistake. How will both of them cope if he gets sent down? It’s in the hands of the judge…”

Nigel’s worsening dementia symptoms have started to impact his behaviour, hence him being distracted by a phone call while driving that led to the incident.

Not wanting to see vulnerable Nigel behind bars, Phil has stepped up for his friend and hired super lawyer Ritchie to handle his case. She’s managed to keep many a Mitchell out of prison in her time, so can she work her magic with Nigel?

With the hearing just hours away, Julie fusses around her other half as they get ready for court.

If ever there was an occasion where a lucky tie was needed, it’s now – but as Julie searches for her hubby’s special accessory, she’s frustrated when she can’t find it anywhere.

When she realises she sent it off to the dry cleaners and might not get it back in time, Julie panics this could be a bad omen for the imminent verdict.

With emotions running high, the pressure starts to get to Nigel. Needing some space from the stress, he takes himself off for a moment of reflection, seeking comfort by reminiscing about a very special old friend…

“Julie goes looking for Nigel and eventually finds him sitting on Arthur’s bench,” says our snoop. “It’s been a place to gather your thoughts for the locals for nearly 30 years – Nigel was around when it was unveiled shortly after Arthur Fowler’s death.

“Nigel opens up to Julie and they have a big heart-to-heart, but it’s soon time to head to the hearing…”

What will the verdict be for the car crash? With his condition rapidly deteriorating, could Nigel be forced to spend his precious last days banged up, cruelly separated from his loved ones?