Pam St Clement, the actress who plays Pat Evans on the BBC soap EastEnders, is to leave the show after 25 years.
The character, famous for her robust nature, multiple marriages and impressive array of earrings, first appeared in the show in 1986 as Pat Wicks.
Speaking to the BBC she said: “I have enjoyed 25-and-a-half wonderful years in EastEnders creating the character of Pat, but feel it’s time to hang up her earrings. Leaving the EastEnders family will be akin to a bereavement. But I’m looking forward to the other work and life opportunities that I will have the time to pursue.”
While no details have emerged as to how Pat will leave the show, Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer for the soap said: “In Pat Harris-Beale-Wicks-Butcher-Evans, Pam St Clement has created one of the most iconic and loved characters in British TV history, although it’s too early to talk about how Pat will leave the Square, we can assure viewers it will culminate in a fitting storyline, not to be missed.”
Eastenders screens each week on BBC One and BBC Three. New episodes air Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with an Omnibus edition on Sunday afternoon.