EastEnders fans were sent into a frenzy on Monday night as one of the soap's most beloved characters, Pat Butcher, made a sensational and emotional return to Albert Square after more than a decade.
A Ghost from the Past in the Queen Vic
The dramatic comeback occurred in a cliffhanger ending to the episode aired on 22 December 2025. Long-time character Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, wandered into The Queen Victoria pub only to come face-to-face with its legendary former landlady.
Pat Butcher, played by the inimitable Pam St Clement, was last seen alive on the BBC One serial drama in 2012, when her character tragically died from pancreatic cancer. Her only subsequent appearance was in 2016, as a hallucination of Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Barbara Windsor.
This latest return is also part of a character's vision. Nigel, who is struggling with dementia, begins to see a version of the Vic as it was during Pat's tenure as landlady between 1988 and 1990. The poignant scene unfolds after Nigel overhears his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) discussing placing him in a care home.
Fan Reaction: 'The Queen Has Returned'
Viewers took to social media in their droves to express their delight and nostalgia at seeing the iconic figure back on screen. The moment was sealed with Pat's classic line, "And a Merry Christmas to you, sweetheart!", delivered as the show's famous 'doof doof' cliffhanger music played.
One ecstatic fan declared online, "Back where she belongs, top of the credits. Welcome back Pat." Another wrote, "Quite literally gasped. The queen has returned." A third shared their anticipation: "Pat!!! I think tomorrow is going to make me proper nostalgic!"
Many fans used the opportunity to criticise the original decision to kill off the character. One viewer stated, "I can’t lie, I cried. What a joy to see Pat again. Killing her off was the worst decision they’ve ever made." This sentiment was widely echoed, with another commenting, "Genuinely one of the worst things EastEnders ever did was kill off Pat." A further fan branded it "the biggest mistake #EastEnders made back in 2012."
The Legacy of an EastEnders Icon
Pat Butcher first arrived in Walford in 1986 and quickly became a cornerstone of the show. Her impact was so significant that a piece of the show's incidental music was named Pat's Theme in her honour.
She was at the centre of some of the soap's most memorable moments, including a legendary catfight with Peggy Mitchell where the two women hurled glasses and insults at each other. Beyond the drama, Pat served as a maternal figure to many, including Ricky Butcher, and provided a home for her granddaughter Bianca Jackson and Bianca's children when they returned to the Square in 2008.
The BBC had teased this special return ahead of broadcast, confirming it forms part of a Christmas storyline focusing on Nigel Bates and his fading memories. For loyal viewers, the brief reappearance of Pam St Clement's legendary character has provided a powerful dose of nostalgia and cemented Pat Butcher's enduring place in EastEnders history.
