EastEnders Pat Butcher star ‘surprised’ as she breaks silence on return news
EastEnders icon Pam St Clement has admitted to being ‘surprised’ as she spoke out on her shock return to Walford.
Those who follow the BBC One soap will best know the actress for playing Pat Evans – nee Harris, and previously Beale, Wicks and Butcher – between 1986 and 2011.
The character was famous for her eccentric wardrobe, countless love affairs, explosive storylines, and, who can forget those earrings, and it’s fair to say that Pam put Pat on the map as one of the Square’s most formidable and much-loved matriarchs.
Pat tragically died on New Year’s Day in 2011, though star Pam reprised her role for a special episode in 2016 when she appeared as a figment of Peggy Mitchell’s imagination for Barbara Windsor’s final scenes in the legendary role.
But now, Pam is set to reprise the role again, this time as Nigel Bates’ dementia symptoms intensify. Reintroduced to the show last Christmas, EastEnders viewers have been following Phil Mitchell’s best friend, played by actor Paul Bradley, battle with dementia.
Living with Phil, who is his carer, Nigel was stunned during the summer when Julie arrived in Walford and brought him home to Scotland.
Eventually, realising this wasn’t the right thing to do, Nigel and Julie have been living in Phil’s house amid fears his condition is worsening.
In the upcoming episode, Nigel’s memories and altered reality take him back to the 1990s, where Pat returns to The Queen Vic to help Nigel following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.
The special episode will air in December, and EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK on Nigel’s storyline since its inception.
Speaking on her return to EastEnders, actress Pam 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.
“It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, also added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode in Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.
“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 as she helps Nigel in his time of need.”