EastEnders spoilers follow for Tuesday’s (December 23) episode which is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
A number of familiar faces staged a comeback to EastEnders as part of a special episode dedicated to Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) storyline.
Nigel, who was diagnosed with dementia last year, entered the Vic at the close of Monday’s (December 22) offering and his memories and altered reality took him back to the 1990s.
Before him was none other than legendary Walford royalty Pat Evans (Pam St Clement) and she wasn’t alone, with stepson Barry (Shaun Williamson) among those present.
Barry was also joined by Nigel’s ex wife Debbie (Nicola Duffett), who died in a hit-and-run in 1995, who shared a dance with her former flame.
In emotional scenes, Nigel was confused about a present he’d bought for Julie (Karen Hentorn), believing the item – which he’d given to best mate Phil (Steve McFadden) – was meant for his first wife.
Speaking of Phil, the legendary hard-man’s younger iteration also appeared in the episode, with star Daniel Delaney reprising the role, while Teddy Jay starred as young Grant.
This marks the third appearance from Daniel and Teddy, who previously played as the Mitchell brothers in a special flashback episode in 2022, as well as an offering exploring Phil’s mental health earlier this year.
Metro won’t reveal all the details so as not to spoil it for those yet to watch on TV, but the episode proves to be a highly emotional one, which leads to Nigel making a big decision.
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The episode is the first to feature Pat Evans, also known as Pat Butcher, since 2016, when she appeared before long-time friend and enemy Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) during her final scene.
Pat, who made her EastEnders debut in 1986, was controversially killed off in 2012.
Speaking on her return, star 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.’
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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