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| EastEnders previews Christmas twist | EastEnders previews Christmas twist |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| EastEnders is hoping for bumper ratings on Christmas Day when Albert Square stalwart Pam St Clement leaves the show after 25 years. | EastEnders is hoping for bumper ratings on Christmas Day when Albert Square stalwart Pam St Clement leaves the show after 25 years. |
| St Clement has played Pat Evans - formerly Butcher - since 1986, a year after the BBC One soap launched. | St Clement has played Pat Evans - formerly Butcher - since 1986, a year after the BBC One soap launched. |
| While her decision to leave the soap was revealed in July, the manner of her departure has been kept a closely guarded secret. | While her decision to leave the soap was revealed in July, the manner of her departure has been kept a closely guarded secret. |
| Three different endings have been shot to keep viewers guessing. | Three different endings have been shot to keep viewers guessing. |
| Spoiler alert: Possible plot details revealed below | Spoiler alert: Possible plot details revealed below |
| "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," St Clement said earlier this year. | "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," St Clement said earlier this year. |
| "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." | "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." |
| Pat's departure is likely to be a finite one. Among the rumoured causes of death are a heart attack, a house fire and terminal cancer. | Pat's departure is likely to be a finite one. Among the rumoured causes of death are a heart attack, a house fire and terminal cancer. |
| Television reviews suggest there will also be a serious confrontation with Walford bad boy Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman). | |
| The return of Pat's son David - played by Holby City's Michael French - may also be a factor. | The return of Pat's son David - played by Holby City's Michael French - may also be a factor. |
| EastEnders will face strong competition from hit ITV1 drama Downton Abbey, which airs its Christmas special on Sunday at the same time. | EastEnders will face strong competition from hit ITV1 drama Downton Abbey, which airs its Christmas special on Sunday at the same time. |