AFTER 25 years playing Pat Evans, or ‘Fat Pat,’ as she is referred to by Janine Malloy, Pam St. Clement has decided to leave EastEnders. She had decided not to renew her contract, paving the way for a dramatic Christmas storyline exit on the BBC1 soap. Pam, 69, is thought to have made the decision following the departure of some her closest friends from Albert Square, such as Barbara Windsor. It is also thought that she wants to go and travel the world with more time on her hands.
Pam St. Clement first appeared in Albert Square in 1986 and for the last 25 years, fans have been treated to 25 years of dodgy choices in men and also, in those famous earrings she wears. She is the second longest serving character in the show currently, only behind Adam Woodyatt, who plays unpopular chip shop owner Ian Beale.
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| LEAVING: Pam St. Clement is hanging up her earrings |
Pam’s character will be famously known for the on-off relationship she had with car dealer Frank Butcher, played by the amazing and sorely missed Mike Reid. They got married on the show in 1989 and were happily married until 1992, when financial problems set into their marriage. On Christmas Eve that year, Pat ran down a teenage girl outside The Queen Vic and was found over the drink-drive limit. She was sentenced to six months in jail. Frank and Pat’s marriage eventually crumbled when he left in 1994 and two years later, Pat married car dealer Roy Evans. However, she couldn’t keep her hands off Frank and in 2000; they rekindled their romance whilst on holiday in Spain. Peggy eventually found out and revealed all to the Square during the 2000 Bonfire Night celebrations. Although Roy kicked her out, they reunited until his death in 2002 from a heart attack.
Since then, Pat has had flings with several men, including Patrick Truman (Rudolph Walker). In recent years, her character has faded out of the limelight, although her fraught relationship in recent times with Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks) has always been interesting to watch.
On her departure, she said this on the BBC website; “I have enjoyed 25 and a half wonderful years in EastEnders, creating the character of Pat but I feel it’s time to hang up her earrings. Leaving the EastEnders ‘family’ will be akin to bereavement. However, I’m looking forward to the other work and life opportunities that I will have the time to pursue.”
Pat Evans will be sorely missed by her fans in EastEnders and hopefully, she will get a brilliant exit that befits the character. Another piece of Albert Square history will this Christmas be consigned to the history books.
