In a dramatic and poignant twist for the long-running BBC soap, Barry Evans is set to return to Albert Square this week, 21 years after his iconic death at the hands of Janine Butcher. Actor Shaun Williamson, 60, has reprised his legendary role for a special episode centred on Nigel Bates' heartbreaking struggle with dementia.
A Nostalgic Return to Walford
Filming the special episode, which airs during Christmas week, saw Shaun Williamson reunited with fellow soap icons. He joined forces with Pam St Clement, returning as Pat Evans, who left the show in 2012. The storyline finds Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley, in a downward spiral. During a screening of his film in Walford, Nigel flees after noticing a bruise on his wife Julie's face, realising he caused it.
Seeking solace in The Queen Vic, Nigel is suddenly transported to a Christmas past. It is here he encounters the ghostly visages of Pat and Barry Evans, facilitating the major comeback for both beloved characters.
A Bittersweet Reunion and a Touching Tribute
Speaking about his return to the EastEnders set, Shaun Williamson expressed his joy at working with old friends. "It was brilliant to catch up with so many old faces," he said, "Particularly Paul Bradley who is here today, and Pam St Clement and Nicola, who is here who played Debbie. It's great to see them again."
His return was tinged with sadness, however, as he paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Tony Caunter, who played Barry's on-screen father, car dealer Roy Evans. "And with the passing of the late great Tony Caunter, who played Roy, you realise time goes so quick, and it's really great to see these people again," Williamson reflected.
Overcoming the Ghosts of the Past
For years, Shaun Williamson had dismissed the idea of returning to EastEnders, given the definitive nature of Barry's demise. "I was often asked, 'would you go back to EastEnders' and, I’ve always been like 'no' because you actually saw Barry die in a field in Scotland," he admitted.
"So, I thought it would be a bit far fetched to bring him back, but, this – Nigel’s dementia dream; absolute genius. Well done [to] the writers. It’s a pleasure to be part of it." The actor also confessed to nerves upon returning, revealing his legs were shaking when he first walked back onto the iconic set.
Barry Evans was killed off in a shocking New Year 2004 storyline. After his wife Janine Butcher confessed her affair with Paul Trueman and declared their marriage a sham, she pushed him during a confrontation on a Scottish cliff. Barry fell, hit his head on rocks, and died, in one of the soap's most memorable exits.
Despite his departure over two decades ago, Barry Evans remains one of EastEnders' most legendary and missed characters, making this unexpected return a major event for dedicated fans of the show.
