Iconic EastEnders character Barry Evans will return to Albert Square this December following a 20-year absence, and actor Shaun Williamson has confessed he was “shocked.”
Barry Evans is returning to Walford this Christmas after 21 years away. The iconic character is set to reappear in EastEnders as part of Nigel Bates’ heartbreaking dementia storyline. Barry was originally killed off in 2004 when his wife, Janine Butcher, pushed him off a cliff.
In a major twist, actor Shaun Williamson is stepping back into the role for a special episode. Barry will feature in Nigel’s dreams as his condition worsens.
He will “return from the dead” in scenes set in The Queen Vic, appearing alongside his stepmother Pat Evans as Nigel’s dementia symptoms escalate. Although Pat and Barry often clashed when they were alive, the pair unite in these dream sequences to support Nigel in his moment of need.
The special episode is scheduled to air in December, and EastEnders has been collaborating with Dementia UK on Nigel’s storyline from the very beginning. Shaun admitted he was “shocked” when he received the call from BBC bosses asking him to return.
Reflecting on his comeback, Shaun Williamson said: “It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but incredibly exciting! I have to admit I had a few nerves — well, loads! — when I stepped back onto the set of The Queen Vic, but it was wonderful to work with old friends and colleagues on such a fantastic episode. It just proves you never know what’s around the corner.”
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode. Barry Evans was known as one of Walford’s unluckiest residents — especially when it came to his choice of shoes — so it’s a real privilege to bring him back alongside Pat for these memorable scenes in The Vic.”
The last time Barry was in Walford, he had a bitter falling out with his stepmother Pat, refusing to forgive her after her affair with Frank Butcher, which he blamed for his beloved father’s death.
After a string of failed relationships, Barry believed he had finally found happiness with Walford’s Janine Butcher. However, their romance turned out to be his most fateful, ending in tragedy when Janine pushed him off a cliff in 2004, leading to his untimely death.
Recently, Shaun paid tribute to his on-screen father, Tony Caunter, who passed away at the age of 88. Tony portrayed Roy Evans in the soap from 1994 to 2003.
Sharing a post on Instagram, Williamson wrote: “RIP Tony Caunter. He was like a second father to me and taught me so much about acting and life. A wonderful actor and an incredible man. I will miss him dearly.”
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