Pat Butcher Makes a Shocking Comeback in EastEnders Christmas Special Despite Her Character's Death in 2012!

Table of Contents

1. Pat Butcher's Return
2. Pam St Clement's Involvement
3. Nigel's Storyline
4. Pat Butcher's Legacy
5. Frequently Asked Questions

EastEnders icon Pat Butcher is making a surprising comeback to Walford this Christmas—13 years after her heartbreaking death.

The legendary character will once again be portrayed by actress Pam St Clement, 83, in a special episode centered around Nigel Bates’ storyline.

Pat Butcher returns to Walford as a Christmas surprise!Credit: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron Pam’s return for Nigel’s dementia storyline follows her 2016 appearance at Peggy’s deathCredit: handout

Actress Pam has already filmed her scenes, which will feature her returning to The Queen Vic, where she served as landlady in the 1990s.

As Nigel’s memories and altered reality transport him back to the 1990s, Pat comes back to The Queen Vic to assist Nigel as his dementia symptoms worsen after an emotional evening at his festive film screening.

Reflecting on her return, Pam stated: “I was both surprised and thrilled to be invited back to walk the streets of Walford once again and to be part of Nigel’s poignant dementia storyline.”

“It was wonderful to be welcomed back by those I had worked with for so long. It felt just like coming home.”

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, added: “It’s an honor 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 beloved and iconic characters to have ever graced the streets of Walford, and I know I speak for everyone when I say how delightful it was to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic as she supports Nigel in his time of need.”

This is not the first time Pat has returned since her passing in 2012 due to cancer.

Pat last appeared in Albert Square in May 2016 when she returned as a figment of Peggy’s imagination on the night of her death, marking the actress's farewell to her character and the Square one final time.

However, Pam officially departed EastEnders in 2012 when Pat Evans died of cancer on New Year’s Day.

Renowned for her eccentric wardrobe, numerous love affairs, and dramatic storylines, Pam established Pat Evans/Harris/Butcher as one of Walford’s most formidable and cherished matriarchs, making her one of the most iconic characters in British television history.

The special episode is set to air in December.

EastEnders producers have collaborated with Dementia UK on Nigel’s storyline since its inception.

Pat was known for her unique fashion senseCredit: BBC Pam portrayed the Walford legend for over 25 yearsCredit: BBC Pam is a BBC soap icon and last appeared on the show as a figment of Peggy’s imagination in 2016Credit: BBC Pat died surrounded by her family in 2012Credit: BBC