EastEnders fans are set to see a familiar face return to Albert Square, as actor Shaun Williamson reprises his iconic role as Barry Evans after more than 21 years (OK! Magazine, BBC). However, Barry will be making a ghostly appearance alongside another Walford legend in a special episode focusing on the emotional storyline of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and his battle with dementia.

The Purpose of Barry's Return

Barry Evans, last seen meeting his fateful end in 2004, will return in a special episode airing in December as a figment of Nigel Bates’s imagination.

• The Storyline: The return is part of the ongoing, sensitive storyline surrounding Nigel's deteriorating dementia symptoms. Barry and his step-mother, Pat Evans (Pam St Clement), will appear in The Queen Vic pub to help Nigel during his "time of need," suggesting that the deceased characters will act as guides or comforting presences in Nigel's confusion (OK! Magazine, Digital Spy).

• Collaboration: EastEnders has been working closely with Dementia UK since the inception of Nigel's storyline to ensure accuracy and sensitivity (OK! Magazine).

• Pat Evans's Return: Barry's return confirms that Pam St Clement is also reprising her role as Pat Evans, whose character officially died of cancer in 2012. Pat previously returned as a figment of Peggy Mitchell's imagination in 2016 (OK! Magazine).

The Legacy of Barry Evans

Barry Evans remains one of EastEnders' most memorable characters, known for his chronic misfortune and ultimately, his tragic demise.

• His Time in Walford: Barry was etched into the show's history for his bad luck, unhappy love life, and his bitter feud with Pat Evans, who he blamed for the death of his beloved dad, Roy Evans, due to her affair with Frank Butcher (OK! Magazine).

• His Fateful End: Barry met his untimely death in 2004 when his wife, the notorious villain Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), pushed him off a cliff during a disastrous trip to the Scottish Highlands. The article humorously notes Barry's "wardrobe faux pas" of not wearing slip-on shoes, which sealed his fate when he slipped (OK! Magazine).

Shaun Williamson's Excitement

Shaun Williamson expressed his delight and nervousness about returning to the famous set:

"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. Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!" (OK! Magazine).

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, added that it was a "privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic," highlighting Barry's enduring connection to Walford's history (OK! Magazine).

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