EastEnders legend Pam St Clement returns to Walford after 13 years away.

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It’s been confirmed that a much-loved EastEnders character will make a return from the dead in a special episode.

EastEnders has confirmed the unexpected return of Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, as part of Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline.

Fans will remember that Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, is coping with young-onset dementia, a central part of his return to Albert Square for Christmas 2024.

The devastating condition brings confusion and memory loss for Nigel, leading him to hide his diagnosis while struggling with its effects.

In an upcoming December episode, viewers will witness Nigel’s altered memory transport him back to 1990.

During this flashback, Pat Butcher will make a surprise appearance at The Queen Vic, where she once served as landlady, according to OK!

Pat steps in to support her old friend Nigel when his dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.

Famous for her oversized, flashy earrings, Pat first arrived in Walford in 1986 and quickly became a fan favourite.

In 1989, she married Frank Butcher (Mike Reid) in a memorable ceremony, and the couple later took over The Queen Vic. Over the years, Pat kept viewers hooked with her romantic entanglements, four weddings, neighbourhood feuds, and countless fiery clashes with her rival and close friend, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).

However, on New Year’s Day 2012, the bold, leopard print-wearing Walford icon passed away while cradling her son, David Wicks (Michael French).

Pat’s tragic death followed a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, but that wasn’t the end of the beloved character.

In 2016, Pam St Clement returned briefly as Pat for a cameo in Peggy Mitchell’s final, emotionally charged episode. She appeared as a spirit, sharing one last conversation with her closest friend, Peggy, before her passing.

Reflecting on her return to EastEnders, Pam said: “I was both surprised and thrilled to be invited back to walk the streets of Walford again and to take part in Nigel’s moving dementia storyline.

“It was wonderful to be welcomed back by everyone I had worked with for so long. It really felt like coming home.”

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode as part of Nigel’s ongoing dementia storyline.”

“Pat Evans is one of the most beloved and iconic characters to have ever walked the streets of Walford, and I speak for everyone when I say it was a joy to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic, supporting Nigel in his time of need.”

EastEnders has been working closely with Dementia UK on Nigel’s storyline since it began.

The exact date of Pat Butcher’s return has not been confirmed, but it is expected to air in December.