Fan-favorite EastEnders character Pat Evans, formerly known as Pat Butcher, is set to reappear in the BBC soap opera for a special Christmas episode.
Portrayed by Pam St Clement, the character was cherished by viewers for over two decades, thanks to her straightforward demeanor and iconic taste in earrings.
Pat passed away in 2012 but made a subsequent on-screen appearance alongside Dame Barbara Windsor in 2016, materializing as a figment of Peggy’s imagination during her final moments.
This time, she will return in a similar fashion, acting alongside Paul Bradley as Nigel, whose memories of the 1990s are revisited as part of a storyline addressing his dementia next month.
“I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline,” said St Clement, 83.
“It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”
Pat’s return aims to assist Nigel as his dementia symptoms intensify, triggered by an emotional evening at his festive film screening.
St Clement debuted in EastEnders in 1986 and remained a central figure in the Albert Square drama until her character’s demise.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey commented, “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode in Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.
“Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford, and I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say what a delight it was to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic, as she helps Nigel in his time of need.”
Pat is among several classic characters who have recently returned to Walford.
Anita Dobson’s Queen Vic landlady, Angie Watts, made a surprise appearance to visit her daughter Sharon, as she drifted in and out of consciousness during the show’s 40th-anniversary episode in February.
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) have also returned to the Square, while Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) made short-term comebacks recently.
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