Barry Evans, dressed in a sparkly blazer, has his arm around Nigel in EastEnders
Barry Evans is back on the Square as EastEnders confirms another major return (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Just days after shocking fans with the news that Pat Evans (Pam St Clement) is set to return, EastEnders has confirmed yet another epic comeback, with stepson Barry (Shaun Williamson) set to follow.

Despite it being 21 years since he was last on our screens, unlucky-in-love Barry remains one of the BBC One soap’s most iconic characters to ever set food in Walford.

His run of bad luck when it came to romance, coupled with his feud with stepmum Pat – who he blamed for the death of his beloved dad Roy (Tony Caunter) – created countless TV moments that still live rent-free in our heads two decades on.

And of course, his exit scenes are among some of EastEnders’ most remembered, with the popular character falling to his death on New Year’s Day 2004 after a row with wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Janine, in typical Janine fashion, did little to assist him in the moments after his tumble, which ultimately led to his demise.

In the scenes that followed, the schemer implied that he might’ve still been alive if he’d worn ‘slip-on shoes’.

TELEVISION PROGRAMMES... Eastenders; Shaun Williamson pictured as Barry Evans.
Barry Evans was a firm-favourite with fans (Picture: BBC)

Two decades later and Barry will stage an almighty comeback as part of Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) dementia storyline.

EastEnders is working with Dementia UK to ensure the narrative is told as accurately as possible.

As confirmed earlier this week, a special episode of the BBC One soap – which will focus on the story in question – sees Nigel’s memories and altered reality take him back to the 1990s.

Pat, who was controversially killed off in 2012, returns to The Queen Vic to help him when his dementia symptoms intensify following an emotional evening at his festive film screening.

But she’s not alone.

TELEVISION PROGRAMME: EASTENDERS Picture Shows: CHARLIE BROOKS as Janine Butcher and SHAUN WILLIAMSON as Barry Evans. TX: TBA Warning: Use of this copyright image is subject to Terms of Use of BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising EASTENDERS and provided BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of the BBC.
Barry met a tragic end when he fell following a row with Janine Butcher (Picture: BBC)

Barry will appear alongside stepmum Pat when Nigel’s dementia symptoms intensify and, although their relationship was fraught in the land of the living, the duo put aside their differences to help Nigel.

‘It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square, but so exciting!,’ actor Shaun said on reprising his legendary role.

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‘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!’

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of EastEnders actors Paul Bradley who plays Nigel Bates and Pam St Clement, who will make a return as Pat Butcher as part of the soap's ongoing dementia storyline involving character Nigel Bates. Issue date: Thursday November 13, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. Issue date: Thursday November 13, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
Pat Butcher will also return for the episode (Picture: BBC)

Ben Wadey, EastEnders’ Executive Producer. added: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Shaun Williamson back to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode.

‘Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford’s unluckiest residents, most notably for his choice of shoes, and so it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic.’

And if that wasn’t enough reason to get excited about the festive season in Walford, Sam Mitchell will also be returning to the Square this December, with star Kim Medcalf – who was last seen in 2024 – reprising her iconic role.

‘It’s such a joy to be asked to come back to EastEnders, especially as it’s the festive period and you know there will always be plenty of fireworks,’ Kim was quoted. 

‘I love the character of Sam, she always causes drama wherever she goes, but she also has that vulnerable side too, which is great to play. It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.’

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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