In a stunning television moment, beloved EastEnders icon Pat Butcher made a ghostly return to Albert Square, over a decade after her character's death. The surprise appearance aired in a special Christmas episode on 22 December, dedicated to a poignant storyline about Nigel Bates's battle with dementia.
A Heartbreaking Christmas Scene
The emotional scenes saw Nigel, played by actor Paul Bradley, become confused and lost. He wandered into the Queen Vic pub searching for a taxi, where he was met by a vision of familiar faces from the past. Among them was the legendary Pat Butcher, instantly recognisable to long-term fans, despite the character dying from cancer back in 2012.
In a bittersweet exchange, an exasperated Nigel asked, "What do you have to do to get a taxi in this place?" To which Pat warmly replied, "And a very Merry Christmas to you and all sweetheart." The cameo was played by Pam St Clement, now 83 years old, who originally portrayed the earring-clad matriarch for 26 years.
The Challenge of Returning to an Iconic Role
While fans were delighted by the nostalgic return, Pam St Clement revealed that stepping back into Pat's shoes was not an easy process after such a long hiatus. She admitted to feeling "a bit bewildered, and a bit bowled over" by the experience.
"Coming back to jump into those clothes and make-up again was strangely difficult," the actress confessed. "I thought I was going to be much easier, but I think I’ve probably been through the point in my life, having played her, where I had divested myself of her."
She reflected on the character's enduring popularity, especially among younger audiences who discover the show through repeats and classic episodes. "There are youngsters that come up... and it's nice to have that following," she said.
Earrings Are the Key to the Character
This marked the second time Pam has returned as Pat since the character's death, having previously appeared as a ghost to Peggy Mitchell in 2016. She revealed that a specific part of Pat's iconic wardrobe is crucial for getting back into character.
"I would say that the key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings," Pam stated. Once the famous large earrings were in place, it became easier to channel the beloved Albert Square resident.
The actress also expressed her fondness for the close-knit cast and crew, comparing the camaraderie to that of theatre companies. "I just think it's amazing to have a group of people who get together... it works because everybody is rowing in the same direction," she added.
The special episode of EastEnders is available to watch on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.
