Two decades after their deaths, Albert Square legends Barry Evans and Pat Butcher will make extraordinary comebacks in a special December episode of EastEnders.
The deceased characters will materialise as visions when Nigel Bates experiences intensified dementia symptoms at the Queen Vic.
Actor Shaun Williamson will reprise his role as the unfortunate minicab boss who perished in 2004, whilst Pam St Clement returns as the formidable matriarch who succumbed to cancer in 2012.
The BBC soap revealed the surprise through a cryptic social media post featuring wrapped shoes marked with Barry's death date, before posting the official announcement.
Shaun Williamson left EastEnders in 2004
|GETTY
The special episode will transport viewers into Nigel's confused perspective as his condition deteriorates, taking him back to 1990s-era Walford where he encounters his old friends once more.
Barry met his tragic end on January 2, 2004 when his manipulative spouse Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) shoved him during a clifftop confrontation, causing him to plummet onto rocks below.
The incident occurred after Janine cruelly exposed her extramarital relationship with Paul Trueman (Gary Beadle) and admitted their marriage was fraudulent.
Pat Evans passed away from cancer on New Year's Day 2012, mere hours after revealing her illness to family members.
She previously appeared as an apparition to Peggy Mitchell in May 2016 during Peggy's final night.
The forthcoming episode will feature Nigel hosting a festive film screening when his symptoms cause him to perceive himself in the 1990s Queen Vic.
Sources indicate Pat will be discovered in the pub wearing her memorable pink coat, ready to guide Nigel through his disorientation.
Mr Williamson expressed astonishment at receiving the invitation to return to Albert Square, admitting to experiencing significant anxiety when entering the Queen Victoria set again.
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"It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting!" he revealed, adding that collaborating with former colleagues on the exceptional episode proved gratifying.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey expressed enthusiasm about Williamson's participation in Nigel's special storyline.
"Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford's unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes," Mr Wadey stated, referencing the character's fatal footwear on that fateful cliff.
The hapless character originally debuted on 27 December, 1994, enduring a decade of misfortune including his first wife Natalie's infidelity before his eventual murder by his second spouse.
Shaun Williamson died in EastEnders in 2004
|BBC
The storyline forms part of EastEnders' collaboration with Dementia UK to portray young onset dementia, which develops before age 65 and causes memory loss alongside personality changes.
Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, rejoined the programme on Christmas Eve 2024 following a 26-year absence.
Despite their historical animosity stemming from Pat's affair with Frank Butcher, the pair will unite to support Nigel during his confusion.
Barry had previously refused to forgive his stepmother for the betrayal.
Pam St Clement described feeling both surprised and thrilled about returning to Walford for the poignant storyline.
"It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home," she remarked about the September filming.