BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 Nigel's Christmas death 'sealed' as Pat returns to EastEnders, fans predict The ghost of Christmas Pat? Nigel Bates Pat Evans Share By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025 EastEnders confirmed the return of Pat Evans as a part of Nigel Bates’ dementia storyline this week – in spite of the character’s death thirteen years ago. Pat will ‘return’ in December, the soap revealed, as Nigel’s dementia symptoms dramatically intensify. And, as Nigel holds a screening of his festive film, the emotions of the evening lead him to think he’s back in 1990s Walford – complete with an appearance from old friend and neighbour Pat. A welcome return from one of the greatest soap characters of all time… but is Pat’s return a dark portent of things to come? Pat will return in Nigel’s time of need (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans predict Christmas death for Nigel as Pat returns Reacting to the news on social media, fans shared their thoughts on what Pat’s surprise return means for Nigel. And some wondered if she could be at Nigel’s side as he dies, as she once was for old frenemy Peggy Mitchell. “Pat also came back for Peggy’s farewell and that was sad. I don’t want Nigel to leave in this episode, but it would be a throwback to Peggy Mitchell leaving, and would be really beautiful,” wrote one fan on X. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Over on Reddit, another agreed: “Yeah, this announcement screams out “iconic final appearance.” Hope I’m wrong, Nigel’s story could’ve gone on for at least a couple of years, but it’s looking all the more likely they’ve got Pam St Clement in for the send off.” “Will Nigel’s death be the Xmas story Charles dickens Christmas carol scrooge type?” asked a third. “So we are repeating Peggy’s death episode with her talking to ghost Pat. This time with Nigel,” said a fourth. Does Pat’s return spell the end for Nigel? Pam St. Clement will reprise her iconic role once more (Credit: ITV) Pam St. Clement shares excitement at soap return Of her return to EastEnders, actress 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.” She continued: “It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.” This marks the second time she has returned to the soap since Pat’s death in 2012. She also returned in 2016, on Peggy’s deathbed, and later appeared in a special documentary, earlier this year, to mark 40 years of EastEnders. Are you looking forward to Pam’s latest return? 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 14 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 14 2025
