The iconic character is heading back to Albert Square this December
Actor Shaun Williamson is making his return to the BBC soap as Barry Evans after 21 years away(Image: BBC)
EastEnders has confirmed that another legend is set to return to Albert Square this December for a ‘special episode’.
Actor Shaun Williamson, 60, is reprising his iconic role as Barry Evans in the BBC soap as part of Nigel’s dementia storyline.
Barry is heading back to Walford 21 years after he was killed by his wife Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks, who murdered him by pushing him over a cliff edge during their honeymoon in January 2004.
Shaun joined EastEnders back in December 1994 and was known for his inherent bad luck and hopeless love life.
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He also had an epic feud with his step-mother Pat Evans, who he refused to forgive following her affair with Frank Butcher – which he believed to be the root cause of his beloved dad’s death.
After a series of failed romances, Barry thought he had finally found his match when he married Janine, but this led him to fall to his untimely death.
Barry Evans is returning to EastEnders(Image: BBC)
During the episode, Barry returns to screens as he appears alongside step-mother Pat in The Queen Vic.
As Nigel’s dementia symptoms intensify, Pat and Barry put aside their differences to help Nigel in his time of need.
The special episode will air in December, with the scenes having already been filmed. EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK on Nigel’s storyline since its inception.
Speaking on his ‘shock’ return to EastEnders, Shaun said: “It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting.
“I have to admit to a few nerves (loads!) when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria, but it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode.
“Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!”.
(Image: BBC)
Ben Wadey, EastEnders’ Executive Producer added: “I’m delighted to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode.
“Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford’s unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes, and so it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic.”
Actress Pam St Clement will also be seen reprising her legendary role as Pat – one of Walford’s most formidable and much-loved matriarchs.
Pat last stepped foot in Albert Square back in May 2016 when she returned as a figment of Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) imagination on the night of her death as Peggy bid farewell to her character and the Square one final time.
But Pam, who has already filmed her brief return scenes, officially left EastEnders back in 2012, when Pat died from cancer on New Year’s Day.