EastEnders icon ‘to return for 40th anniversary from beyond the grave’
EastEnders fans could see a surprise return from a Walford legend in February as the show marks its 40th anniversary - but it might not be what it seems
EastEnders’ icon Pat Butcher, portrayed by Pam St Clement, is rumoured to be making a comeback for the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary.
Pat, known for her oversized flashy earrings, first graced Walford in 1986 and quickly became a beloved character. In 1989, she tied the knot with Frank Butcher (Mike Reid) in a memorable ceremony, and they later took over The Queen Vic.
Over the years, Pat kept audiences hooked with her love affairs, four weddings, neighbourhood disputes, and numerous heated clashes with her rival and best friend, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
However, on New Year’s Day 2012, the feisty leopard print-clad resident of Walford breathed her last while holding her son David Wicks (Michael French). Pat’s devastating d.e.a.t.h followed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
But that wasn’t the end of Pat Butcher. In 2016, Pam St Clement reprised her role for a brief appearance in Peggy Mitchell’s final episode, reports the Daily Star. She appeared as a ghost and had a final conversation with Peggy before her d.e.a.t.h.
Now, 13 years after her heartbreaking on-screen demise, Pat is tipped to return during EastEnders ‘ 40th-anniversary week in February. Gambling.com currently places Pam St Clement at evens to make a return for the show’s celebration.
As the soap’s landmark birthday approaches, a host of iconic characters have made brief comebacks, including Laurie Brett as Jane Beale, Michael French as David Wicks, Tracy-Ann Oberman as Chrissie Watts, Paul Nicholls as Joe Wicks, Joe Swash as Mickey Miller, and Louisa Lytton as Ruby Allen.
In December, Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard returned to their roles as Nancy and Lee Carter for a special episode centred on Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) battle with alcoholism.
On Christmas Eve, Paul Bradley surprised fans by reprising his role as Nigel Bates 26 years after leaving the show, revealing a heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.
Ross Kemp is the latest big name confirmed to be returning to Walford soon. Soap chiefs are staying quiet on exactly when Grant will appear on-screen for the first time since 2016, but he’s set to reunite with his brother Phil (Steve McFadden) and old mate Nigel.
Mimi Keene, who played Cindy Beale Jr, is now the favourite at 8/15 to return to Walford in February, followed by Nigel’s wife Julie Haye, portrayed by Karen Henthorn, with odds of 4/6. Could Pat Butcher also make a posthumous cameo?
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:39pm on BBC One and iPlayer
