Shaun Williamson has returned to the set of EastEnders to reprise his role as Barry Evans for a special episode, airing this week. The 60-year-old actor paid tribute to Tony Caunter, who played his on-screen father Roy Evans, following Caunter's recent death.
The episode focuses on Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley, who is struggling with dementia. During a screening of his film in Walford, Nigel becomes distressed and flees to The Vic, where he is transported to a Christmas past and encounters familiar faces, including Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) and Barry Evans. Debbie Bates also makes a return.
Williamson said: 'It was brilliant to catch up with so many old faces. Particularly Paul Bradley, Pam St Clement and Nicola, who played Debbie. It's great to see them again.' He added: 'With the passing of the late great Tony Caunter, you realise time goes so quick.'
The actor admitted to feeling nervous about returning, saying: 'Just walking on to the set, my legs started shaking before we did the scene. I was nervous, very nervous, but working with the great pros like Paul Bradley and Pam St Clement, it was no problem.'
Barry was originally scheduled for just four episodes but became a fan favourite, staying for ten years. His character was killed off in 2004 when his wife Janine Butcher pushed him off a cliff. Williamson said he had always declined return offers until now, praising the dementia dream storyline as 'absolute genius'.
