BBC Share By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025 Barry Evans returning to EastEnders for special Nigel dementia episode Barry's coming back! EastEnders Christmas Nigel Bates Shaun Williamson Share By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025 Barry Evans will return to EastEnders for Nigel Bates’ special episode next month, the soap has revealed. Played by Shaun Williamson, Barry was one of the soap’s most beloved characters, appearing on screens from 1994 to 2004. Luckless Barry died on New Year’s Day in 2004, taking a fatal tumble off the side of a cliff while arguing with wife Janine. If only he’d worn slip-on shoes! With Walford icon Pat also returning to the soap for a special episode this Christmas, she’ll be joined by Barry as Nigel’s memories take him back to the 1990s. Like Pam St. Clement’s Pat, Shaun has already filmed his scenes, which will air next month. Are you looking forward to Barry’s return to EastEnders? Shaun Williamson will reprise his role as bumbling Barry Evans (Credit: BBC) EastEnders announces Barry Evans return to soap Of Barry’s return, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “I’m delighted to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode.” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers He continued: “Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford’s unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes. And so it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic.” The soap teased Barry’s return earlier today (Saturday, November 15) with another cryptic social media post. A partially unwrapped Christmas present revealed a pair of shoes (size 8) with the barcode 01012004 – referencing the date Barry fell to his death. “Christmas is all about cracking open surprises,” read the caption on Instagram. Cracking. Like Barry’s head after his fall, geddit. Too soon? Pat will also be returning to the soap next year (Credit: BBC) Shaun Williamson shares excitement at soap return As the news broke, Shaun said: “It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting! “I have to admit to a few nerves (loads!) when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria. But it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode.” He finished: “Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!” Like Pat, Barry will return as Nigel holds a screening of his festive film in December. As his dementia symptoms intensify, Nigel imagines he’s back in The Vic in the 1990s, where he sees old friends and neighbours Barry and Pat again. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 15 2025
