EastEnders Pat Butcher is a soap icon – but over 10 years after her exit and on-screen death, fans reckon the character is making a surprising return with a huge twist

EastEnders’ Pat Butcher could be making a surprise comeback to the soap for its epic 40th anniversary.

The soap legend, played by Pam St Clement, made her Walford debut back in 1986. A hit with viewers, Pat soon went on to become one of the soap’s most iconic and longest-serving characters.

For 25 years, she was a staple on the soap, having been involved in countless big storylines. During her time in Walford, her character was married four times and had many explosive rows with her frenemy Peggy Mitchell.

However in 2012, the man-eating character hung up her earrings for good. Fans will recall how she was killed off in January shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pat then made a shock appearance in 2016, for a few minutes during Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) final episode. Pam also brought back Pat’s ghost two years later in 2018 for SafeGlaze UK as Pat forms a double act with a window salesperson (also played by Pam).

But now, over 10 years since her on-screen death, fans are convinced she is heading back to the soap for its 40th anniversary next year in February.

Especially, as the soap recently confirmed that David Wicks, Pat’s son, is returning later this year. On Reddit, one person noted how Pat could come back via the form of a hallucination.

They said: “Had a wild idea how to bring Pat back for 40th Anniversary.” The fan explained: “Since David is returning, maybe he may have developed psychosis or schizophrenia. Joe suffered a traumatic experience (his Sister died) which triggered schizophrenia, Bianca has been diagnosed with depression and maybe David suffered depression (he has talked about his difficult upbringing) too which could’ve triggered psychosis or schizophrenia.

“Cindy came back from the dead and David may have psychosis episodes where he hallucinates Pat believing that Pat is back too.”

Other fans were quick to agree with the theory, as someone replied: “He could absolutely have a visitation like Peggy did. And if Joe himself were to return, there’s no reason why he couldn’t see his grandma.”

A third wrote: “Ooooohhhh I like this idea!!!! Anything to bring back Pat!!! But thinking about it a schizophrenia/psychosis storyline for around the 40th could be a great way of having dead characters cameo!!! They should soooooooooo do this!!!”