Legendary EastEnders character Pat Butcher made a dramatic comeback to Albert Square on Monday evening, more than 13 years after her on-screen death from pancreatic cancer.
Pam St Clement, now 83, reprised her beloved role as part of a poignant Christmas storyline centred on Nigel Bates and his worsening dementia. Ms St Clement described the experience as leaving her “bewildered”.
During the episode broadcast on Monday, December 22, Nigel became disoriented and wandered into the Queen Vic seeking a taxi.
There, the character, played by Paul Bradley, encountered a 1990s version of the pub, complete with its former landlady Pat behind the bar.
Pam St Clement made a one-off return as Pat Butcher as part Nigel’s storyline
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BBC
“What do you have to do to get a taxi in this place?” Nigel asked, to which Pat responded: “And a very Merry Christmas to you and all sweetheart.”
The scene prompted an outpouring of emotion from viewers, with many declaring Pat’s original departure the show’s “biggest mistake.”
Speaking about her return, St Clement confessed that stepping back into Pat’s shoes proved far more challenging than anticipated.
She admitted she “was a bit bewildered, and a bit bowled over,” Mail Online reports.
Pam St Clement admitted she was ‘a bit bewildered, and a bit bowled over’ by the EastEnders return
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BBC
The actress explained that resuming the role after so many years away presented unexpected difficulties.
“Coming back to jump into those clothes and make-up again was strangely difficult.
“I thought it 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 said.
Ms St Clement noted that while she had mentally moved on from the character, audiences had not, largely due to repeat broadcasts of classic episodes keeping Pat fresh in viewers’ minds.
Pam’s EastEnders character Pat Butcher left the soap in 2012
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BBC
The 83-year-old revealed she has been taken aback by recognition from younger generations who she assumed would be unfamiliar with her work.
“There are youngsters that come up, and you think ‘thank you very much’ but how do you know me? You’re too young!” she shared.
These fans, she discovered, had been watching reruns of the soap on television.
“Oh no, we watch it on the television,” they tell her, which St Clement described as “nice to have that following.”
Pam St Clement returned to EastEnders
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BBC
When it came to rediscovering Pat after so long, the actress pinpointed one essential element of the character’s distinctive look.
“I would say that the key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings,” she admitted, explaining that donning Pat’s famous accessories helped her reconnect with the role.
The emotional storyline has seen EastEnders collaborate closely with Dementia UK since its inception, ensuring an authentic portrayal of Nigel’s condition.
St Clement expressed gratitude at being invited back by executive producer Ben Wadey, describing herself as feeling “very spoilt” by the opportunity.
“It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home,” she reflected.
Mr Wadey himself praised the return of such a treasured figure to Walford.
“Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford,” he said, adding that it was “an honour and a privilege” to welcome St Clement back for Nigel’s ongoing storyline.
Further scenes featuring Pat alongside her murdered stepson Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, will air on Tuesday 23 December.