In a surprising and nostalgic turn of events, beloved EastEnders actress Pam St Clement is set to make a dramatic return to Albert Square this Christmas, over a decade after her iconic character was killed off. The 83-year-old star, who portrayed the formidable Pat Butcher for more than a quarter of a century, will feature in a special festive episode airing on Tuesday 23 December.
A Ghost of Christmas Past: Pat Butcher's Unexpected Comeback
The actress will reprise her role in dream-like sequences imagined by long-standing character Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley. Nigel is grappling with dementia, and his confusion brings memories of the 1990s vividly to life. In these poignant scenes, Pat will appear alongside her stepson Barry Evans, a character who was murdered on-screen back in 2004, portrayed by Shaun Williamson.
Pat Butcher famously left Walford on New Year's Day in 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her last spectral appearance was in 2016, hallucinated by her dying best friend Peggy Mitchell. This new return forms a crucial part of a sensitive storyline developed in close consultation with Dementia UK.
St Clement admitted she felt “very spoilt” to receive the invitation from executive producer Ben Wadey but was initially taken aback. “I think I was a bit bewildered, and a bit bowled over,” she confessed.
Stepping Back into the Iconic Earrings
The process of returning to such a defining role after so many years was more challenging than the actress anticipated. She revealed that getting back into Pat's signature costume and bold makeup was “strangely difficult.”
“I thought it was going to be much easier,” St Clement explained. “I think I’ve probably been through the point in my life, having played her, where I had divested myself of her accoutrement, her clothes, her make-up and everything else. But the strange thing is that the public don’t because it’s so fresh.” She credited constant television repeats and EastEnders classics for keeping Pat alive for new generations of fans.
She pinpointed one essential item for unlocking the character: “The key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings.” St Clement also expressed continual surprise at being recognised by younger viewers, quipping, “You’re too young!” when they approach her.
A Heartwarming Homecoming for a Soap Legend
Despite the initial difficulty, the veteran actress described the experience as a joyful homecoming. “It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home,” she said warmly.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey echoed this sentiment, stating: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders. 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.”
In the episode, Pat’s return is triggered as Nigel's dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional festive film screening. Her appearance is designed to offer him comfort and guidance in his time of need, adding a layer of emotional depth to the ongoing narrative.
Reflecting on her involvement, Pam St Clement said: “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.”
The special Christmas episode of EastEnders airs on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
