EastEnders’ legendary character Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, might be making a dramatic comeback for the soap’s milestone 40th anniversary.

The iconic character first appeared in Walford in 1986 and quickly won over fans, becoming one of the most enduring and recognisable faces in EastEnders history.

For 25 years, she was a staple on the show, involved in countless major storylines. Her character’s rollercoaster journey included four marriages and numerous fiery showdowns with her nemesis Peggy Mitchell.

But in 2012, the feisty character hung up her earrings for good. Fans will recall her heartbreaking exit in January that year, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Pat made a surprise return in 2016, briefly appearing in Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) final episode. Pam also brought back the ghost of Pat in 2018 for SafeGlaze UK, forming a comedic duo with a window salesman (also played by Pam), reports the Express.

Now, more than ten years after her on-screen death, there’s growing speculation among fans that she could be returning for the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations in February next year.

This theory has gained momentum especially since the soap recently announced the return of David Wicks, Pat’s son, later this year. One Reddit user even suggested that Pat could reappear as a hallucination.

Soap loyalists have come up with a speculative theory to reintroduce Pat for EastEnders’ 40th Anniversary. One viewer shared: “Had a wild idea how to bring Pat back for 40th Anniversary.”

They went on to reveal more about their inventive storyline, stating: “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.”

As they continued to ponder the potential plot twist, they theorised: “Cindy came back from the dead and David may have psychosis episodes where he hallucinates Pat believing that Pat is back too.”

Pat’s son David Wicks is heading back (Image: (Image: BBC))The creative speculation inspired other viewers, as another contributor agreed: “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.”

The sense of anticipation grew as another admirer added: “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!”