EastEnders has announced that Pam St Clement will reprise her iconic role as Pat Evans for a special episode in December as part of Nigel's (played by Paul Bradley) dementia storyline.
"Made famous for her eccentric wardrobe, countless love affairs, explosive storylines, and who can forget those earrings, Pam put Pat Evans/Harris/Butcher on the map as one of Walford's most formidable, and much-loved matriarchs, who remains one of the most iconic characters in British television as a whole," said the BBC One soap.
"As Nigel's memories and altered reality take him back to the 1990s, Pat returns to The Queen Vic to help Nigel when his dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.
"The special episode will transmit in December, and EastEnders has been working with Dementia UK on Nigel's storyline since its inception.
"Pat last stepped foot in Albert Square back in May 2016 when she returned as a figment of Peggy's (Barbara Windsor) imagination on the night of her death as Peggy bade farewell to her character and the Square one final time, and Pam officially left EastEnders back in 2012 when Pat Evans died of cancer on New Year's Day."
Speaking about her E20 return, Pam St Clement said: "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 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."
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EastEnders airs on RTÉ One and BBC One Monday to Thursday.