In a surprising move that will delight EastEnders fans, one of the soap's most iconic characters is set to make a dramatic return to Albert Square this December. Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, will reappear in a special one-off episode as part of the ongoing dementia storyline involving Nigel Bates.
A Blast from the Past
The beloved character, famous for her colourful wardrobe, fur coats, and distinctive large earrings, will feature in scenes that transport Nigel Bates back to the 1990s as his memory deteriorates. The special episode will see Pat's ghostly presence return to The Queen Vic pub to support Nigel as his dementia symptoms worsen following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.
Although the character passed away from cancer on New Year's Day in 2012, this won't be her first posthumous appearance. Pat previously returned in May 2016 as part of Peggy Mitchell's imagination on the night of her death.
Cast and Crew Reactions
Pam St Clement, now 83, expressed her excitement about returning to the iconic role. "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," she said. "It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home."
Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, 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." He added that "Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford" and that everyone was delighted to see both the character and actress back in The Queen Vic.
Collaboration with Dementia UK
The soap has been working closely with Dementia UK for this sensitive storyline, which has seen Nigel disclose his diagnosis with young onset dementia. According to the charity, dementia is referred to as "young onset" when symptoms of the neurological condition appear before the age of 65.
This thoughtful approach ensures the storyline accurately represents the experiences of those living with dementia and their families, bringing important awareness to this condition through one of British television's most popular programmes.
