Pam St Clement to return to EastEnders as Pat Butcher in dementia episode
Ian Youngculture reporter
BBCEastEnders favorite Pat Evans, formerly Pat Butcher, will return to the BBC soap for a one-off episode over the Christmas period.
The character played by Pam St Clement was loved by audiences for more than 25 years with her simple personality and unforgettable taste in earrings.
Pat died in 2012, but was later seen again on screen alongside Dame Barbara Windsor in 2016 when she returned as a figment of the dying Peggy’s imagination.
Now, in a similar vein, he will return next month alongside Paul Bradley as Nigel, whose memories take him back to the ’90s as part of a story about dementia.
‘I’m coming home’
“I was surprised and thrilled to be asked to walk the streets of Walford once again and get involved in Nigel’s touching dementia story,” said St Clement, 83.
“It was great to be welcomed back by people I’ve worked with for a long time. It was just like coming home.”
Pat returns to help Nigel when his dementia symptoms intensify after an emotional evening at a festival film screening.
St Clement first appeared in EastEnders in 1986 and was at the heart of the drama in Albert Square until his character’s death.
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey said: “It’s an honor and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode of Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.
“Pat Evans is one of the most loved and iconic characters to grace the streets of Walford and I know I speak for everyone when I say what a delight it was to see Pat and Pam back at the Queen Vic helping Nigel in his time of need.”
Pat is one of many classic characters returning to Walford.
Anita Dobson’s Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts made a surprise return to visit her daughter Sharon, who was drifting in and out of consciousness, in the show’s 40th anniversary episode in February.
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) return to the Square, while Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) recently made brief returns.
