In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Walford, a beloved EastEnders character is set to return to our screens 21 years after his dramatic death. Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, will reappear in Albert Square as part of an emotional dementia storyline.
A Ghost from the Past Returns
The hapless minicab boss, who met his demise on 2 January 2004 when his wife Janine Butcher pushed him from a cliff, will feature as a vision within the iconic Queen Vic pub. His appearance will occur alongside another familiar face from beyond the grave - Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement.
This poignant return forms part of an unfolding dementia storyline centred on Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley. Nigel rejoined the long-running BBC soap on Christmas Eve 2024 after a 26-year absence, and his current plot explores the progressive neurological condition.
Old Friends Reunite on Set
Shaun Williamson, now 60, expressed his excitement about returning to the show that made him famous. "It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting!" he revealed. "I have to admit to a few nerves (loads!) when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria, but it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode."
Williamson added, "Just goes to show, you never know what's around the corner!" reflecting the unexpected nature of his character's return two decades after his on-screen death.
Putting Past Feuds to Rest
In a remarkable reconciliation, Barry and his former stepmother Pat will put aside their historical differences to help Nigel in his time of need. Years ago, Barry had a significant feud with Pat after she had an affair with Frank Butcher, and he had refused to forgive her.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, commented: "I'm delighted to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel's special episode. Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford's unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes, and so it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic."
The special episode featuring these emotional scenes is scheduled to transmit next month, offering viewers a nostalgic yet heartbreaking look at characters they thought they'd never see again.
EastEnders has been working closely with Dementia UK on Nigel's young onset dementia storyline. The charity clarified that the condition is considered "young onset" when symptoms, including memory loss and personality changes, develop under the age of 65.
This isn't the first time a deceased character has returned to the soap. Feisty matriarch Pat, known for her bright outfits and eccentric earrings, died of cancer on New Year's Day in 2012 but made a previous return to Albert Square in May 2016 as a figment of Peggy Mitchell's imagination on the night of her death.
Barry Evans first appeared on the soap on 27 December 1994 and experienced a spate of bad luck throughout his time in Walford, which began with his first wife Natalie leaving him amid an affair and ultimately ended with his murder at the hands of his second wife.
