EastEnders legend Pam St Clement set to return to Albert Square for special appearance - when is Pat Butcher back?
An EastEnders legend is making a massive comeback to the soap next month.
Pam St Clement, who portrayed Pat Butcher from 1986 until 2012, will be donning her famous drop earrings for a special appearance in an upcoming episode. EastEnders bosses confirmed the news after posting a cryptic teaser to social media.
While Pat’s storyline ended with the iconic character’s death, she will reappear as part of a storyline involving Nigel (Paul Bradley) and his ongoing battle with dementia. Airing next month, the episode will see Pat returning to The Queen Vic to help a struggling Nigel, whose dementia symptoms intensify after a festive film night and make him believe he is back in the 1990s.
The special episode will focus on Nigel’s dementia battle, a storyline that EastEnders has worked closely with charity Dementia UK on.
Speaking about her unexpected return, 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. It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey 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 [Butcher] 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.”
Pat was last seen in the soap in May 2016, when she appeared in the imagination of long-term frenemy Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) ahead of the Mitchell matriarch’s death.
Fans have reacted to the news of Pat Butcher’s return. One viewer said: “I actually can’t wait for this, one of the queens of Albert square.” Another added: “Great news. Only thing is. We’ll want her to stay.”
Some fans have said that they would have loved to have been surprised with the star’s reappearance. EastEnders have previously kept tight-lipped on the return of iconic character, including Angie Watts (Anita Dobson) making an unannounced cameo during the 40th anniversary week earlier this year.
Speaking about Pat’s return, one EastEnders fan said: “Yay but also why didn’t they keep this as a surprise.” Another said: “The legend returns but why spoil this.”