Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Pat Butcher

Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans (née Harris; previously Beale, Wicks, and Butcher), commonly known as Pat Butcher, is a fictional character from the soap opera , portrayed by actress from the character's introduction on 12 June 1986 until her departure on 1 January 2012. Renowned for her bold personality, signature oversized earrings, and resilient spirit as a "tart with a heart," Pat served as a matriarchal figure in Albert Square, navigating multiple marriages, family dramas, and community roles such as landlady of public house. Introduced as Pat Wicks, the character arrived in Walford with her husband Brian and son David, quickly establishing herself as a meddlesome yet generous survivor who took in the homeless and offered emotional support to extended family members. Her most iconic relationship was with , whom she married in 1989 in a lavish East End ceremony, adopting the surname Pat Butcher that became synonymous with her persona; their turbulent marriage included a long-running that resurfaced dramatically in 2000, leading to a famous confrontation with rival . Pat later married Roy Evans in 1996, becoming Pat Evans, and had additional romantic entanglements, including with and , while raising sons and amid her colorful past as a gangster's moll associated with Johnny Allen. Throughout her 25-year tenure, Pat embodied ' themes of endurance and community, surviving personal crises such as a heart attack, a for a drunken hit-and-run, and an encounter with the 1987 attacker, while helming family dynasties like the Butchers, Evans, and Wicks. Her character's death from in 2012 was mourned across , cementing her legacy as one of the soap's most enduring and beloved figures, with returns via specials such as a 2014 , a 2016 in Peggy Mitchell's storyline, and a 2025 episode.

Casting and character overview

Casting Pam St. Clement

was cast as Pat Butcher in 1985 following open auditions for the role in the soap opera , selected for her ability to authentically portray a market trader drawing from her real-life experiences in similar environments. At the time of her debut on 12 June 1986, St. Clement was 44 years old, an age that contributed to the character's establishment as a mature, no-nonsense figure in . Her performance shaped Pat's persona as a resilient East End woman, emphasizing strength and directness. St. Clement's initial contract was for a three-year stint, which was extended multiple times, ultimately spanning over 25 years for her main tenure until her departure in 2012, followed by guest appearances including a one-off return in 2016 and a special episode in December 2025. To prepare for the role, St. Clement observed real East End market women and everyday people, such as a bus conductress whose style inspired Pat's iconic look, ensuring the character's authenticity and vibrancy.

Character profile and traits

Pat Butcher, also known as Pat Evans, is depicted as a quintessential working-class East End woman from , embodying resilience and independence with feminist undertones through her unapologetic self-reliance and defiance of traditional gender expectations. Introduced as a middle-aged matriarch in her forties, she represents the archetype of the brassy survivor, navigating life's hardships with a tough exterior that occasionally reveals underlying vulnerability. Her defining traits include a bold, meddlesome to family and community, often expressed through outspoken interference and steadfast support, while her history of multiple marriages highlights a sex-positive attitude and no-nonsense strength. Portrayed with a chain-smoking habit and a penchant for strong tea, Pat's mannerisms feature a loud, brash demeanor, icy stares, and dramatic gestures like face slaps, underscoring her feisty personality. Physically, Pat is characterized by her blonde, androgynous bob haircut, heavy glam makeup with bold eyeshadow in shades like powder blue, and a of colorful, clashing outfits including animal prints, statement blouses, faux fur, and vibrant headscarves. Her most iconic feature is her collection of oversized, dangly hoop earrings—often spangly and diamante-studded—which became a symbol of her glamorous, larger-than-life presence as a market stall holder peddling knock-off perfumes. This flamboyant style, combined with her accent and sassy wit, cements her as an enduring icon of East End .

Development and production

Creation and early development

The character of Pat Butcher was conceived by creators Julia Smith and in 1985, as part of the planning for the soap opera's launch the following year, with her design drawing inspiration from real-life East End matriarchs to embody the resilient spirit of working-class women in London's East End. In their foundational work on the series, Smith and Holland aimed to populate Albert Square with authentic figures reflective of the community, positioning Pat as a vibrant to the ensemble shortly after the show's debut. This conceptualization occurred amid broader efforts to craft a diverse cast that captured the social fabric of , including strong female archetypes central to family and neighborhood dynamics. Initial script outlines portrayed Pat as a source of to offset the serial's heavier dramatic elements, establishing her as a market stallholder at the fictional Bridge Street where she could interact humorously with other residents. These early drafts emphasized her quick-witted banter and larger-than-life personality to inject levity into episodes, ensuring she served as a counterbalance to storylines exploring , , and social tensions. was cast in the role to align closely with this envisioned mold, bringing a grounded authenticity to the part. For her early development, producers planned Pat as a long-term fixture in to anchor the show's continuity and evolving community narrative, with her debut episodes centering on her gossiping function as a hub of local information and rumor-spreading. This approach allowed Pat to facilitate plot progression through her nosy yet endearing involvement in neighbors' affairs, reinforcing her status as an integral, enduring presence from the outset. Production notes from the era underscored her potential to voice contemporary women's concerns amid the government's policies, highlighting issues like economic hardship and gender roles in a changing .

Key relationships in production

The friendship between Pat Butcher and was developed as a comedic and supportive duo following Peggy's initial introduction in 1991, with the characters' banter shaped by input from actors and to reflect their real-life rapport and enhance on-screen authenticity. St. Clement recalled Windsor's collaborative approach, noting how the actress sought feedback to refine their interactions, contributing to the dynamic's enduring appeal in ensemble settings. Pat's marriage arc with originated in early scripts from 1986, positioning it as a core romantic storyline that allowed exploration of her more vulnerable traits, particularly after Mike Reid's casting as Frank, which St. Clement credited with bringing out Pat's softer portrayal in their shared scenes. Reid's comedic background influenced the couple's lighter moments, balancing drama with humor in production choices. Scriptwriters utilized Pat's family ties to stepchildren Janine and as recurring plot devices to generate interpersonal , including planned inheritance disputes in the 2000s that underscored tensions within the Butcher household. In the writers' room, decisions emphasized Pat's integral role in ensemble interactions, such as those at the Queen Vic pub, to reinforce community bonds and facilitate multi-character storylines across episodes.

Departure storyline planning

The planning for Pat Butcher's departure from began in 2011 when actress , after portraying the character for 25 years, informed producers of her desire to leave the role to pursue other professional and personal opportunities. Bryan Kirkwood, who was in charge at the time of the announcement, expressed sadness over the decision but committed to crafting a "fitting and emotional" exit storyline that would honor Pat's long tenure on the show. St. Clement had specifically negotiated with Kirkwood to ensure the storyline avoided Pat, thereby leaving the possibility open for future returns, as she believed the character still had potential for additional arcs. However, the final script, developed under the , centered on Pat receiving a terminal and dying peacefully in her flat on 2012, surrounded by and friends in an emotional farewell episode. This choice provided dramatic closure but effectively ended any chance of , contrary to St. Clement's expectations. In a , St. Clement revealed her disappointment with the decision to kill off , stating she felt "empty and let down" after assurances from Kirkwood that the door would remain ajar, and noting that subsequent Dominic had confirmed the permanent nature of the exit. She described the character as having "run its course" after decades of storylines but emphasized her initial intent was for a temporary break rather than a definitive end. Negotiations for potential returns continued informally, culminating in 2016 when persuaded her to film a ghostly for Peggy Mitchell's exit, allowing a brief on-screen tribute despite Pat's established death. In November 2025, it was announced that St. Clement would reprise the for a special episode airing in December 2025, with Pat appearing as a figment of to support Nigel in his storyline, marking another posthumous return similar to the 2016 cameo.

Storylines

Arrival and early years (1986–1989)

, portrayed by , made her debut in on 12 June 1986, arriving in Albert Square as Pat Wicks, a brash trader setting up a stall on the local . She immediately clashed with established residents, including , the landlord of public house, over territorial disputes regarding her stall's placement and aggressive sales tactics. These early confrontations highlighted her no-nonsense attitude, as she sparred with and his wife , establishing her as a disruptive force in the close-knit community. In her initial months, Pat's storylines revolved around feuds with fellow stallholders, such as rival traders vying for prime market space, which often escalated into verbal altercations and petty sabotages. She became involved in community events, notably the 1986 Christmas episodes, where she joined celebrations at , sharing dinner with , , and amid the holiday festivities. Subtle hints at her past emerged through references to previous marriages, including her previous marriage to and divorce from and the existence of her son from an earlier relationship, adding layers to her resilient persona without delving into full backstory details at the time. Pat's role expanded in 1988 with the introduction of Ricky Butcher, the teenage son of Frank Butcher, who arrived in Walford on 12 May following the death of his mother. As Frank's budding romantic interest, Pat quickly assumed a protective stance toward Ricky, intervening in his school-related troubles, such as truancy and conflicts with peers, often scolding him sternly to guide his wayward behavior. This maternal dynamic showcased her tough-love approach, as seen in incidents where she physically disciplined him, like slapping him in May 1989 after discovering his involvement in minor delinquencies. By 1989, Pat's interactions with began to hint at romantic potential, sparked through casual market encounters where their shared banter and mutual attraction built subtle tension. These exchanges, often laced with flirtation amid their professional dealings, laid the groundwork for their relationship, culminating in their marriage later that year, though the early phase focused on tentative courtship amid Walford's daily bustle.

Marriage to Frank and family dynamics (1989–2005)

Pat Butcher's marriage to Frank Butcher began on 22 June 1989 with a lavish cockney-style ceremony in Square, complete with a horse-drawn cart departure that symbolized their boisterous union. The couple settled into domestic life at No. 43 Square, where Pat assumed the role of to Frank's children—, Diane, and Janine—initially experiencing a period of relative bliss amid the challenges of blending families. However, tensions arose early, particularly with young Janine, who harbored deep resentment toward Pat, often manifesting in rebellious acts like theft and tantrums that strained household dynamics. The marriage endured significant expansions and upheavals over the years. In 1997, Pat and Frank's son Ricky married in a much-anticipated wedding on 17 April, bringing new energy to the but also introducing further complications through Bianca's fiery personality and the couple's eventual birth of daughter in 1998. Janine's ongoing manipulations added layers of conflict; by her mid-teens, her deceitful schemes, including financial deceptions and alliances against , exacerbated familial rifts and tested Pat's patience as a . Frank's infidelity became a central fracture in the relationship. After years of on-off strains, including a separation in the mid-1990s, Frank pursued , marrying her in April 1999 despite strong opposition from Peggy's family, particularly from her son over Frank's accidental role in the death of his wife, , in a car crash. This union left Pat reeling, but by 2000, Frank and Pat rekindled their passion in a clandestine affair, which Peggy dramatically exposed during a gathering at the Queen Vic on 2 , humiliating the pair publicly and igniting a legendary rivalry between Pat and Peggy. In response, Pat plotted subtle revenges, leveraging her resilience to navigate the betrayal while maintaining family ties. Frank's health scare in 2002, involving a heart attack and subsequent nervous exhaustion during a brief return to , prompted inheritance disputes among the Butchers, as Frank grappled with his mortality and distributed assets amid lingering resentments from his children. Janine's schemes intensified, using her father's vulnerabilities to manipulate outcomes in , further eroding trust. The couple's final chapter unfolded in late 2005, when returned for Janine's over Laura Beale's murder; a momentary reconciliation saw him profess love to , but he ultimately departed for , marking their separation. , emotionally battered yet resilient, shifted her focus to nurturing grandchildren like , finding solace in her evolving role within the extended family.

Post-Frank independence and later arcs (2005–2012)

Following Frank Butcher's final departure from in 2005, Pat Evans asserted her independence by taking over the management of the family's used car lot, navigating financial challenges and local rivalries to keep the business afloat. This period marked a shift from family dependence to self-reliance, as Pat dealt with the lot's day-to-day operations amid 's economic pressures. Between 2005 and 2008, Pat's entrepreneurial spirit led to ongoing feuds with over market stall territories in Albert Square, stemming from long-standing personal animosity rooted in their shared family history. The rivalry escalated into public confrontations, highlighting Pat's tenacious defense of her commercial interests against Mo's opportunistic schemes. During this time, Pat briefly explored romance with Porter, Mo's brother, in a short-lived relationship that added layers to her complicated dynamics with the Harris family but ultimately fizzled without long-term commitment. From 2009 to 2011, Pat's relationship with stepdaughter deteriorated amid intense feuds and Janine's manipulative schemes involving family and property. Pat played a pivotal role in exposing Janine's series of scams, including fraudulent schemes involving property and relationships, which led to temporary reconciliations as Janine faced legal repercussions and . These conflicts underscored Pat's protective instincts toward the extended Butcher family, even as they strained her own emotional resources. In 2010, Pat formed a partnership with longtime friend and rival to co-manage pub, revitalizing the venue after Peggy's temporary absence. Their collaboration faced a severe test during the devastating fire that gutted the pub, forcing Pat and Peggy to coordinate evacuation efforts and rebuild operations amid the chaos caused by Phil Mitchell's actions. The incident strengthened their bond, blending business acumen with mutual support in the face of Walford's crises. As 2012 approached, Pat discovered a cache of hidden letters from , revealing unresolved affections and regrets from their past, which prompted deep reflection on her life in . Inspired by this emotional revelation and seeking renewal after years of turmoil, Pat decided to embark on a fresh start, choosing to leave Albert Square with for an unspecified adventure beyond the Square. This departure symbolized Pat's enduring resilience and closure on her complex history.

Off-screen death and aftermath (2012–2016)

Following Pat's on-screen death from on 1 January 2012, her influence persisted through family storylines and brief mentions, underscoring her enduring role in Walford's narrative. returned for her funeral on 13 January 2012, where numerous residents gathered to pay respects, with stepdaughter Janine footing the bill as a of their recent reconciliation. The event highlighted Pat's community ties, as old friends and family, including and , reflected on her life amid emotional tributes. From 2012 to 2015, Pat's memory shaped ongoing plots, particularly for her stepchildren. Janine, grappling with grief while pregnant with Michael Moon's child, honored Pat's final advice to keep the baby, leading to the birth of daughter in June 2012 and influencing Janine's turbulent path, including legal battles over custody. , who inherited Pat's market stall per her will, referenced her guidance in family reconciliations, while the stall itself symbolized her entrepreneurial legacy in Walford's market dynamics. In 2014, , upon returning to the Square, expressed remorse for past conflicts by leaving flowers at 23 Square upon learning of her passing. Pat's legacy extended to asset distribution via her will, which allocated her home to and the stall to , prompting family discussions and aiding reconciliations among the Butchers and Wickses. These elements reinforced Pat's matriarchal impact, as her possessions and memory facilitated plot resolutions involving disputes and emotional healing. In a poignant 2016 return, reprised Pat as a spectral vision in Peggy Mitchell's final episode on 17 May 2016, where Pat appeared in the Queen Vic to urge her dying friend—facing terminal cancer—to end her life with dignity, echoing their longstanding friendship and providing narrative closure. This cameo, complete with Pat's signature earrings and demeanor, evoked flashbacks to their shared , amplifying the emotional weight of Peggy's and cementing Pat's off-screen presence in key farewells. In December 2025, Pam St. Clement reprised the role for a one-off special episode, where Pat appears at the Queen Victoria to support Nigel Bates as he deals with dementia, marking another posthumous appearance that highlights her enduring legacy.

Reception and cultural impact

Critical and audience reception

Pat Butcher's portrayal by Pam St Clement received widespread critical acclaim throughout her tenure on EastEnders, particularly for embodying resilient, independent women in British soap opera. In feminist analyses of the series, Pat is highlighted as a character who prioritizes work and family stability over romance, contrasting with younger women who challenge traditional structures; scholars note her efforts alongside figures like Pauline Fowler to maintain familial bonds amid evolving social dynamics. This representation contributed to her status as a matriarchal figure, with critics observing her evolution from a marginalized "bad penny" to a stoic pillar of Albert Square, though her role reflected broader shifts away from such enduring female archetypes in modern soaps. Audience reception was equally enthusiastic, evidenced by high viewership during key storylines involving . The 2000 revelation of her affair with , exposed by in a dramatic one-hour special, attracted 14.9 million viewers, outperforming competing programs and underscoring the character's draw during intense family conflicts. Pam St Clement's performance earned formal recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 , where she received a for her 25-year contribution as . Scholarly examinations further emphasize Pat's significance in depicting aging women on screen. In Rupert Smith's EastEnders: 20 Years in Albert Square, Pat is portrayed as one of the soap's vulnerable yet enduring figures, masking personal insecurities with bold exteriors and contributing to narratives of female strength amid vulnerability. This analysis positions her as a key example of how EastEnders explored generational shifts in women's roles. While predominantly beloved, Pat faced some criticism in the 2000s for storylines perceived as repetitive, often centering on her interference in others' affairs, which some viewers felt diminished her complexity despite her overall popularity. Her 2012 exit announcement sparked significant fan backlash that left millions heartbroken and highlighted her irreplaceable presence in the series. Pat Butcher, the iconic EastEnders character known for her brash demeanor and distinctive style, has been frequently parodied in British comedy sketches that exaggerate her gravelly voice and no-nonsense attitude. In the BBC sketch show The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson, comedian Debra Stephenson impersonated Pat alongside Coronation Street's Ken Barlow in a humorous motorway service station encounter, highlighting her feisty personality. Similarly, impressionist Alistair McGowan featured Pat in a 2002 parody where she improbably guest-starred on the American sitcom Friends, poking fun at her East End roots clashing with glamorous Hollywood settings. These impressions, often aired in the 2000s and 2010s, underscore Pat's enduring recognizability in satirical takes on soap opera tropes. Beyond sketches, Pat's image has permeated British tabloid media as a symbol of soap longevity and resilience. Outlets like have repeatedly profiled her as a "soap icon" and "legend," particularly in coverage of Pam St. Clement's post- life and tributes to co-stars, emphasizing Pat's role in defining the show's matriarchal archetypes. similarly hailed St. Clement as an "EastEnders legend" in articles exploring her challenges following the character's 2012 exit, positioning Pat as a cultural touchstone for discussions on aging in television. Pat's legacy extends to retrospective media, where she is celebrated in BBC documentaries revisiting EastEnders' pivotal moments. The 2025 BBC program Pam St. Clement Remembers... EastEnders: Pat and Frank's Affair featured St. Clement reflecting on the 2000 episode that drew 14.9 million viewers, analyzing Pat's affair storyline as a landmark in soap drama. More recently, the 2025 anniversary special EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square, presented by Ross Kemp, included St. Clement discussing Pat's creation and impact, including the inspiration for her oversized earrings, reinforcing the character's status in the series' history. In November 2025, it was announced that Pat would return for a Christmas special, marking St. Clement's first appearance since 2012. In interviews, such as her 2015 Mirror feature tied to her autobiography, St. Clement addressed production decisions around Pat's off-screen death, noting how it shaped her post-role career and the character's lasting appeal. These portrayals highlight Pat's cultural staying power, linking directly to her strong audience reception as a bold, unapologetic figure.

References

  1. [1]
    EastEnders - Pat Evans - BBC One
    Pat's earring collection was the envy of womankind. She ploughed through a veritable herd of husbands and lovers and was a first-class survivor.
  2. [2]
    Press Office - Pam St Clement to leave EastEnders - BBC
    Jul 8, 2011 · Pat went on to marry the love of her life Frank in a big East End wedding bash and became Pat Butcher in 1989 but later moved on to become Pat ...
  3. [3]
    Matriarchs - BBC
    Feb 6, 2025 · Across the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, Pat joined some of EastEnders' most iconic dynasties, helming the Butcher, Evans and Wicks clans ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    The End of an Earring by Pam St Clement - Headline Publishing
    It is also a tribute to Pat Butcher, for whom Pam retains a huge affection. This incredibly warm memoir reveals the woman behind the popular EastEnders ...
  5. [5]
    Pam St. Clement - IMDb
    Pam St. Clement was born on 11 May 1942 in Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex, England, UK. She is an actress, known for EastEnders (1985), Hedda (1975) and Doctor ...
  6. [6]
    EastEnders' Pam St Clement based Pat's iconic style on bus conductor
    Feb 14, 2025 · 'EastEnders' icon Pam St Clement has revealed that Pat Butcher's iconic style was inspired by a lady she spotted on a London bus.
  7. [7]
    EastEnders' Pat to leave Albert Square - The Guardian
    Jul 8, 2011 · EastEnders veteran Pam St Clement is to bow out of Albert Square, more than a quarter of a century after making her debut as no-nonsense Pat.Missing: initial contract three
  8. [8]
    EastEnders stars unhappy after being told: Take pay cut or lose ...
    Jul 2, 2012 · Pam St Clement (Pat) earns £330,000 and will drop £49,500, while Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) will get £263,500 instead of £310,000. King Charles ...
  9. [9]
    Women's pictures of the 1980s: Scrubbers and the spirit of resilience ...
    Nov 17, 2021 · Clement – whose brassy Pat Butcher in EastEnders would also come to define the feminine spirit of the age. Two people stand in a combative pose ...
  10. [10]
    Feminist theory and the matriarchal soap: EastEnders - jstor
    Work is therefore prioritised over romance. Where women like Pat and Pauline strive to keep the family together, younger women are seen to put it increasingly ...
  11. [11]
    Farewell, Pat Butcher | Television & radio | theguardian.com
    Jul 8, 2011 · She's blonde, steely, immovable – the Rutger Hauer of EastEnders. So will you miss Pat Butcher after her departure from Albert Square?Missing: class | Show results with:class
  12. [12]
    7 Reasons Pat Butcher Is A Style Icon For The Ages & How ... - Bustle
    Dec 31, 2018 · Pat has always had a hard femme-esque cut paired with a full face of uber glam make up. A look now emulated by many stars including Katy Perry and Halsey.Missing: voice | Show results with:voice
  13. [13]
    Pat Butcher: 'I take dope every day since I tried it on TV... it should be ...
    Dec 2, 2017 · The actress, who played TV's chain-smoking Pat Butcher for 25 years, is taking cannabis-infused oil every day to help her arthritis.
  14. [14]
    Last night's TV: EastEnders | Television industry | The Guardian
    When Pat arrived to remonstrate and stock up on insulin shots for those coming to the wake, the nation's favourite Cockney sparrow puffed her little breast out, ...
  15. [15]
    EastEnders: 30 years of booze, fights and faaaamily - The Guardian
    Feb 15, 2015 · Yes, What Would Pat Butcher Do? The answer, of course, is put on some spangly earrings, far too much makeup and paint on a smile. It's ...
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
    EastEnders : the inside story : Smith, Julia - Internet Archive
    Dec 6, 2011 · EastEnders : the inside story ; Publication date: 1987 ; Topics: EastEnders (Television program), EastEnder (Television program), EastEnders ( ...
  18. [18]
    How EastEnders was created, from the theme tune to Angie and Den
    Feb 15, 2025 · In March 1984, Smith and Holland headed to Lanzarote for a working holiday where they created 23 character biographies, three years of storyline ...
  19. [19]
    EastEnders icon Pam St Clement's friendship with Barbara Windsor ...
    Jun 26, 2021 · EastEnders icon Pam St Clement's childhood in foster care, friendship with Barbara Windsor and life after Walford. Pat Butcher was a much-loved ...Missing: production scripting 1991
  20. [20]
    What happened when the EastEnders cast watched back their best
    Feb 10, 2015 · Barbara Windsor and Pam St Clement are TV legends, so it was so nice to see them working so naturally together, with such a genuine friendship ...
  21. [21]
    The End of an Earring - The Guardian Bookshop
    14-day returnsFeb 25, 2016 · The End of an Earring. Pam St Clement (author). Write a Review. Format ... Actress Pam St Clement, best known as EastEnders' Pat Butcher ...Missing: audition | Show results with:audition
  22. [22]
    EastEnders Butcher family now - builder, popstar, freak accident ...
    Aug 16, 2021 · The Butchers took over The Queen Vic, with Frank being joined by girlfriend Pat, his kids Ricky and Diane and later his youngest daughter Janine ...
  23. [23]
    EastEnders 40th Anniversary - BBC
    Feb 13, 2025 · It's a huge week for EastEnders as the show marks its 40th birthday beginning on Monday 17th February. Episodes drop on BBC iPlayer on Monday at 7.30pm.Missing: documentary | Show results with:documentary
  24. [24]
    Pat Evans to leave EastEnders - BBC
    Jul 8, 2011 · Pat went on to marry the love of her life Frank in a big East End wedding bash and became Pat 'Butcher' in 1989 but later moved on to become Pat ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  25. [25]
    Pam St Clement: EastEnders promised Pat wouldn't be killed off
    Jan 31, 2015 · In an exclusive interview ahead of the publication of her autobiography, the actress opens her heart on her life, loves and missing out on motherhood.
  26. [26]
    Pam St Clement reveals: I was told Pat Butcher wouldn't be killed off
    Jan 31, 2015 · EastEnders icon Pam St Clement has revealed for the first time how disappointed she was when she learned that Pat Butcher was being killed off by show bosses.
  27. [27]
    Ex-EastEnders Star Pam St. Clement Admits Killing Off Pat Butcher ...
    Jun 23, 2016 · Pam was wary about returning to the role for Peggy's exit, especially considering Pat was dead, but executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins ...
  28. [28]
  29. [29]
    BBC News Online | The great British soap matriarch
    Jan 17, 2008 · PAT EVANS - EASTENDERS, 1986 to present. Pat Wicks first appeared in Albert Square as a hard-nosed brass hell-bent on causing trouble with ex ...
  30. [30]
    Christmas in Walford | EastEnders Wiki - Fandom
    Christmas in Walford is always a miserable and upsetting time for the residents. It is always the day when secrets are unravelled, murders take place and ...
  31. [31]
    EastEnders' Pat Evans to leave BBC soap - BBC News
    Jul 8, 2011 · Pat, known for her dangly earrings and bright make-up, first appeared in 1986. During her colourful years on the show, the character remarried ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  32. [32]
    Ricky Butcher - EastEnders Wiki - Fandom
    He made his first appearance on 12 May 1988 and last on 26 January 2023. He was portrayed by Sid Owen.
  33. [33]
    Den of Iniquity Rewatches 1988 - Walford Web
    Jan 6, 2019 · Pat was married to Pete, having been rejected by Frank Butcher. ... Comment - This was a fabulous plot, bringing out the best in Pam St Clement ...
  34. [34]
    EastEnders - Pat Wicks Slaps Ricky Butcher (30th May 1989)
    Jul 13, 2019 · EastEnders - Pat Wicks Slaps Ricky Butcher (30th May 1989) · Comments.<|control11|><|separator|>
  35. [35]
    Network TV Programme Information BBC Week 7 EastEnders feature
    Marriages ; George “Lofty” Holloway and Michelle Fowler, 25/11/86 ; Carmel Roberts and Matthew Jackson, 26/01/89 ; Pat Wicks and Frank Butcher, 22/06/89 ; Ian Beale ...Missing: 1989 details
  36. [36]
    Inside EastEnders' Butcher family from Janine to Frank - The Sun
    May 8, 2023 · Frank and Pat married in 1989 with Pat becoming step-mum to Frank's four children, as well as having two kids of her own. In 1993, the family ...Most Read In Soaps · Pat Butcher · Ricky Butcher
  37. [37]
    EastEnders' Janine Butcher: 9 memorable moments - Digital Spy
    Dec 22, 2013 · In 2008, Pat and Ricky Butcher were furious to discover that Janine was masquerading as a Jewish orphan in order to marry an elderly Jewish man ...Missing: conflicts | Show results with:conflicts
  38. [38]
    What happened between Pat, Peggy and Frank in EastEnders?
    Jul 21, 2020 · She subsequently threw Frank out – and he fled Walford alone. EastEnders is on BBC One on Tuesday night at 7.30pm. If you've got a soap or TV ...
  39. [39]
    Classic EastEnders, Pat and Frank's Affair - BBC One
    Credits ; Frank Butcher, Mike Reid ; Pat Butcher, Pam St Clement ; Peggy Mitchell, Barbara Windsor ; Roy Evans, Tony Caunter.Missing: marriage arc development 1986 casting influence
  40. [40]
    'EastEnders' Pat and Mo go back in time - HELLO! Magazine
    Feb 10, 2004 · Photo: © Alphapress.com Pam St Clement has just signed a new deal to stay in Albert Square for another two years. The indefatigable Pat ...Missing: initial | Show results with:initial
  41. [41]
    EastEnders icon Janine Butcher's nastiest moments as star Charlie ...
    Jun 15, 2021 · In the aftermath, DNA evidence linked Janine to the scene of the death and although Janine was with step-mother Pat Butcher at the time, Pat ...
  42. [42]
    EastEnders set secrets including what it was originally going to be ...
    Feb 18, 2020 · 7. Walford is a made up name which combines Walthamstow and Stratford – the areas where creators, Julia Smith and Tony Holland were born.
  43. [43]
    EastEnders: First look at Pat Butcher's dramatic exit - Mirror Online
    Dec 22, 2011 · Pam St Clement finally quits EastEnders after 25 years. The brassy favourite arrived in Albert Square in 1986 – a year after the show launched.Missing: departure | Show results with:departure
  44. [44]
    Pat's returning to EastEnders as a ghost for Barbara Windsor's final ...
    Mar 24, 2016 · EastEnders writers are commemorating Barbara Windsor's final scenes as Peggy Mitchell by bringing back Pam St Clement's legendary character Pat Butcher.Missing: scripting input
  45. [45]
    EastEnders 2013 - 2017, 2016, Goodbye Peggy Mitchell - BBC One
    May 17, 2016 · The ghost of Pat Butcher is sat there in her finery beaming at her; fag in hand. Peggy asks her to move over so she can get upstairs. In the ...
  46. [46]
    EastEnders: The Death Of Pat, And The Decline Of The Soap ...
    Jan 13, 2012 · Pat may have wanted to pass the matriarchal baton on in a death-bed scene, but the 21st Century soap model has little use for stoical mother ...
  47. [47]
    ENTERTAINMENT | EastEnders butchers Millionaire - BBC News
    Nov 3, 2000 · Some 14.9 million viewers preferred to watch Peggy Butcher discover her husband Frank's affair ... 2000 GMT, halfway through the EastEnders ...
  48. [48]
    EastEnders wins top prize at British Soap Awards - BBC News
    Apr 29, 2012 · Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher in EastEnders for 25 years, earned a standing ovation when she was given the lifetime achievement award.
  49. [49]
    The Impressions Show With Culshaw & Stephenson
    A The Impressions Show With Culshaw & Stephenson video. Jon Culshaw as Ken Barlow and Debra Stephenson as Pat Butcher reunite in a motorway service station.
  50. [50]
    Alistair McGowan 2002 Pat Butcher guest stars on Friends. - YouTube
    Oct 29, 2020 · This is where ridiculous guest stars showing up on Friends is parodied with Pat Butcher ... Funny EastEnders spoof! Frank Peggy and Pat do ...
  51. [51]
    Funny EastEnders spoof! Frank Peggy and Pat do art & culture - BBC
    Sep 5, 2008 · Alistair McGowan, Roni Ancona and co have fun imagining a cultural episode of EastEnders with Frank, Peggy and Pat as the main leads!Missing: Dead Ringers
  52. [52]
    EastEnders' legend Pam St Clement breaks silence after Tony ...
    Oct 15, 2025 · EastEnders Pat Butcher legend Pam St Clement breaks silence after Tony Caunter's death. His family released a moving statement confirming his ...
  53. [53]
    EastEnders fans go wild as soap icon who left Walford 13 years ago ...
    Pam played the iconic character in the BBC soap from 1986 until New Year's Day 2012 when her character Pat Butcher died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
  54. [54]
    EastEnders' Pam St Clement says she struggles to follow the soap
    Dec 30, 2015 · Pam, who recently released her autobiography The End of an Earring, believes her part in the soap will be her defining role because of the ...Missing: audition | Show results with:audition
  55. [55]
    Pam St Clement Remembers... EastEnders: Pat and Frank's Affair
    Here, Pam looks back on one of her biggest moments, remembering how the nation was gripped by one the soap's most iconic episodes, when Pat's affair with Frank ...Missing: Stage | Show results with:Stage
  56. [56]
    EastEnders' Pat Butcher star's life away from soap and why she quit
    Feb 21, 2025 · EastEnders stalwart Pam St Clement has etched her name into soap history with her iconic role as the bold and brassy Pat Butcher.