“EastEnders viewers were outraged, claiming Pat Butcher’s return to the soap had been ‘ruined’.”
EastEnders icon Pat Butcher has made a dramatic return to Walford nearly 13 years after her on-screen death.
During Monday’s episode set in Albert Square (December 22), Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) invited local residents to the community centre for a festive film screening.
However, after overhearing a tense conversation between his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) about how to cope with his worsening dementia, Nigel became increasingly confused.
“I want to be alone,” he told Phil, before wandering around the Square in search of a taxi “home” and a familiar face. He eventually took refuge in The Queen Vic, reports OK!.
Upon entering the iconic pub, Nigel appeared to slip back into the 1990s, with the venue transformed into a vintage scene as revellers danced to Shakin’ Stevens’ festive classic Merry Christmas Everyone.
“What do you have to do to get a taxi in this place?” Nigel muttered. “And a very Merry Christmas to you and all, sweetheart,” Pat Butcher replied.
The Walford legend appeared in her signature pink blazer, greeting him with a familiar warm smile. EastEnders fans were delighted to see Pat back on screen, nearly 13 years after her death on New Year’s Day in 2012.
She had previously appeared as a spirit in 2016 during Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) final moments. However, some viewers were frustrated that Pat’s return had not been kept secret, following the official announcement of her comeback in November.
One viewer wrote on X: “Pat Butcher returning as a figment of Nigel’s imagination, 12 years after her tragic New Year’s Day death in 2013. I really wish this hadn’t been spoiled beforehand because the reveal would have been EPIC. Bring on tomorrow’s special episode #EastEnders.”
Another fan commented: “If only it hadn’t been spoiled, but it’s still great to see Pat back in her classic ghost outfit. We really miss a character like Pat these days and wish they’d never killed her off. #EastEnders.”
A third added: “Pat as the doof doof! If only we hadn’t already known about it! #EastEnders.”
Someone else praised the episode, saying: “They’ve done an amazing job making the Vic look like the old days, and seeing Pat return was brilliant. I just wish they’d kept it a secret instead of spoiling it. #EastEnders.”
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