Pam St Clement to Reprise Role as Pat Butcher in EastEnders

EastEnders fans are set for an emotional reunion this Christmas as Pam St Clement returns to Albert Square to reprise her iconic role as Pat Butcher.

The BBC confirmed that the much-loved character will appear in a special episode connected to Nigel Bates’ ongoing dementia storyline — a moment that has already generated huge excitement among long-time viewers of the soap.

Pam St Clement, who originally played Pat from 1986 until the character’s on-screen death in 2012, has filmed new scenes that will air in December. Her return forms part of Nigel’s deepening struggle with early-onset dementia, as his memories begin to merge with the present day. The episode will see Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, slipping back into the 1990s during a festive film screening, triggering the emotional re-appearance of Pat in the Queen Vic — a place forever associated with some of the most defining moments of her character’s history.

Speaking about her return, St Clement said she was “surprised and excited” to be invited back, adding that stepping into Walford once again felt “just like coming home”. Executive Producer Ben Wadey echoed the sentiment, describing Pat as “one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford,” and calling it a privilege to bring her back for such a meaningful storyline.

Producers have worked closely with Dementia UK to ensure Nigel’s portrayal remains accurate, sensitive, and reflective of the lived experiences of families affected by the condition. The storyline has already been praised for shining a light on young-onset dementia — a form of the condition that impacts people under the age of 65, often with devastating consequences.

Pat Butcher’s return is expected to be a poignant highlight of the festive period, especially given her legendary status among EastEnders fans. Known for her oversized earrings, no-nonsense attitude and decades of dramatic storylines, Pat remains one of the soap’s most unforgettable characters. Her death in 2012 was considered one of the show’s most powerful episodes, making her reappearance — even within the context of Nigel’s memories — all the more impactful.

The BBC has not yet confirmed the exact air date of the special episode, but it will form part of the soap’s Christmas schedule. It is also not yet known whether St Clement will appear beyond this one-off instalment, or whether the door has been left open for future memory-based appearances as Nigel’s condition progresses.

EastEnders continues to air weeknights Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.