Pat’s something we weren’t expecting! (Picture: BBC)
When I tell you I gasped when this came through in my email inbox, it was so loud that my cat fled the room – yes, you’re reading it correctly, Pat Evans is returning to EastEnders for a special Christmas episode.
The Walford based soap has managed to persuade the iconic Pam St Clement to don those 10-tonne earrings once more and prop up the bar of the Queen Vic, where she belongs.
Easily one of TV’s worst moves back in 2012, a nation grieved when Pat died after decades of quotable moments on the show.
We have seen her once before since, when she appeared from beyond the grave to say her parting words to the bitch to her cow, Peggy Mitchell.
Now, she’s back again, this time as part of confused visions of beloved Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who will be the focus of an episode dedicated to his battle with dementia, which is cruelly consuming him.
Pat will help Nigel navigate his confusion (Picture: BBC)
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As Nigel’s memories and altered reality take him back to the 1990s, Pat returns to The Queen Vic to help him when his dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.
And, just hearing about it is already pulling at my heartstrings.
Speaking on her return to EastEnders, Pam St Clement enthused: ‘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.’
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer 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 is one of TV’s most iconic characters (Picture: BBC)
Nigel’s story has been breaking hearts (Picture: BBC)
‘Pat Evans 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.’
Ben, listen, I’m no fan of retcons but I don’t think anyone would complain if she strolled back full time, cigarette in hand, fur coat donned and a raised eyebrow: ‘Dead? Me? What are you on abaht?’
The episode promises to be packed with nostalgia, love and heartbreak and comes at a pinnacle point of Nigel’s storyline.
EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK from the plot’s inception to ensure its accuracy and authenticity.
The special episode will air in December.
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