EastEnders viewers are certain that a third fan-favourite character is set to return as Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline takes a dramatic turn.
EastEnders fans have been left stunned as two iconic characters are set to return to Walford ahead of the Christmas season.
At the same time, some viewers are hoping that another familiar face from Albert Square will step in to support Nigel Bates as his dementia storyline continues to unfold.
Longtime watchers of the BBC One soap will recall that Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, is contending with young-onset dementia — a central focus of his Christmas 2024 return.
The heartbreaking condition causes confusion and memory lapses for Nigel, forcing him to conceal his diagnosis while grappling with its effects.
According to OK!, in a December episode, viewers will see Nigel’s memory and shifting perception take him back to 1990.
Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, is set to make a surprise return to The Queen Vic, where she was once the iconic landlady.
She will appear alongside her late stepson, Barry Evans, with Shaun Williamson reprising the role after a 21-year absence.
Barry tragically died in 2004 when Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) pushed him off a cliff. Meanwhile, Pat passed away on New Year’s Day 2012, after losing her battle with cancer, leaving behind memories of her bold, leopard-print-wearing persona in Walford.
In 2016, Pam St Clement briefly reprised her role in a cameo for Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) emotional farewell episode. She appeared as a spirit, sharing one final heartfelt moment with her longtime friend before Peggy’s departure.
Although their relationship had been rocky in life, Pat and Barry are expected to put aside past conflicts to support Nigel as his dementia worsens, particularly following an emotional evening at his Christmas film screening.
With Pat and Barry’s return to Walford now confirmed, EastEnders fans are also hoping that another beloved character, Tiffany Mitchell, could appear as a figment of Nigel’s imagination.
What happened to Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders?
Tiffany first appeared in 1995 as a school friend of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and quickly became known as a barmaid at the Queen Vic.
She went on to have a passionate relationship with Nigel’s close friend Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), which led to the couple having a daughter and eventually marrying.
However, their turbulent marriage came to a tragic end in 1999 when Tiffany was killed in a car accident involving Frank Butcher (Mike Reid), Pat’s former husband, following yet another heated argument with Grant.
Could Tiffany return to help Nigel? EastEnders fans are certainly hoping so.
Heading to social media, one viewer wrote: “Do you think Tiffany might show up too? As a ghost!”
Another added: “I hope Tiffany, aka Martine, is one of the ghosts of Christmas past. But please leave some of these returns as surprises.” A third chimed in: “Martine McCutcheon next, please!”
“Please tell me you’ve got @martinemccutcheon involved too?” asked another fan.
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