Debbie Bates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

EastEnders character

Debbie Bates
Portrayed by	Nicola Duffett
Duration	1993–1995
First appearance	25 May 1993
Last appearance	22 June 1995
Date of death	22 June 1995
Marital status	Deceased
Occupation	Bookies Cashier
Family	Nigel, Clare

Debbie Bates (née Palmer, previously Tyler) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. She was played by Nicola Duffett.

She first appeared in May 1993 when she was on the run from her abusive husband Liam Tyler. She also had a daughter, Clare Tyler, who was in her custody. She then became a love interest for Nigel Bates when she met him at his birthday party. Liam eventually tracked Debbie down and did everything he could to split Nigel and Debbie apart, but was unsuccessful.

Debbie eventually married Nigel in July 1994 and was living a happy life for a while. She started working at the local bookmakers but her boss Stan Dougan was constantly trying to flirt with her. She kept this a secret from Nigel but when Stan made a move on her she quickly rejected him and quit her job. Nigel was suspicious of Debbie suddently quitting her job but eventually found out her boss Stan was harassing her. He then went to the bookies and punched Stan.

Tragedy stuck soon after when Debbie was killed in a hit-and-run accident in June 1995 which devastated Nigel and Clare for some time.

Even though Clare was only his step-daughter, Nigel always considered her as his daughter and adopted her after her biological father Liam returned and was unsuccessful in his attempt to gain custody of her.