Pam St Clement’s return to Albert Square wasn’t as easy as fans might imagine, in fact, it was "strangely difficult".
The 83-year-old actress, who famously played Pat Butcher in the BBC soap EastEnders, is making a surprise comeback in a special Christmas episode that will air tonight (December 23.)
Her character appears as a figure in a dream sequence which is part of a storyline exploring Nigel Bates’ dementia.
Pam St Clement's return to EastEnders was "strangely difficult"
Pam left the BBC soap in 2011, according to the broadcaster, but will return to the show briefly.
Asked what it was like to reprise the part of Pat, more than a decade after being killed off, Pam said: "Coming back to jump into those clothes and make-up again was strangely difficult.
"I thought it was going to be much easier, but I think I've probably been through the point in my life, having played her, where I had divested myself of her.
"Her accoutrement, her clothes, her make-up and everything else, and I thought I had, but the strange thing is that the public don't because it's so fresh.
"That's probably because there are a lot of repeats that go on, on television, like EastEnders classics and things like that."
St Clement said she was surprised when asked to return.
She said: "I think I was a bit bewildered, and a bit bowled over."
She revealed what helped her rediscover the character after so many years.
She said: "I have to say, to get into Pat's character, is obviously much harder today than we've been filming, but I would say that the key to the whole ensemble must be the earrings."
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EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey described her return as “an honour”.
Mr Wadey said: "It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome Pam St Clement back to EastEnders for a special episode in Nigel's ongoing dementia storyline.
"Pat Evans is one of the most cherished and iconic characters to have graced the streets of Walford, and I know I speak on behalf of everyone when I say what a delight it was to see Pat and Pam back in The Queen Vic as she helps Nigel in his time of need."
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