Shaun Williamson on shock EastEnders comeback

SHAUN Williamson has described the decision to bring back Barry Evans for a special EastEnders episode 22 years after his screen death as “absolute genius”.

- BY AMY DENMAN

The character was shoved off a clifftop by Janine Butcher in 2004 but makes his return with fellow Albert Square legend Pat Butcher when Nigel Bates, who is struggling with dementia, dreams about them.

Shaun, 60, joined forces with Pam St Clement, 83, who was his screen step-mum, and Paul Bradley as Nigel to film the episode, which focuses on Nigel's worsening condition.

Asked about reprising the role, Shaun said: "I was often asked, 'Would you go back to EastEnders?'. I've always been like, 'No' because you actually saw Barry die in a field in Scotland.

"So, I thought it would be a bit far-fetched to bring him back, but this - Nigel's dementia dream - is absolute genius. Well done to the writers. It's a pleasure to be part of it."

When asked how it felt to be back in Barry's unlucky shoes, Shaun said: "I'll be honest, it's a pleasure to be back, but it is weird.