When Pat Butcher was fired from “EastEnders,” Rudolph Walker was upset.
Pam St Clement, 82, whose beloved character Pat was killed off in 2011, became close friends with the 84-year-old soap opera veteran who portrays Patrick Trueman on the BBC One drama. She was “saddened” as she recorded her heartbreaking farewell scene.
In his biography “Walking With Dignity,” Rudolph spoke of his pleasant recollections of their collaboration: “Working with Pam was a joy – her timing, the twinkle in her eye in our flirting scenes, and her support from day one was invaluable.” When such a beloved character was eliminated from the show, I was devastated.
After 25 years, Pam left the soap opera, calling her role’s retirement “a bereavement”.
At the time, she declared, “It’s time to hang up her earrings, but I have enjoyed 25 and a half wonderful years in EastEnders creating the character of Pat.” Releasing yourself from the EastEnders “family” will seem like a loss. However, I’m excited about the additional career and personal prospects I will have the opportunity to explore.”
But she did briefly return in 2014 for a Children in Need special, after Adam Woodyatt’s character Ian Beale’s head hit. During that incident, Beale saw Pat.
In 2016, she experienced a second coming of age when she made an appearance with the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s legendary character Peggy Mitchell, wearing her trademark enormous earrings and stunning pink lipstick, as she bid a fond farewell to Walford.
After 23 years on the popular program, Rudolph eventually wrote a memoir titled “Walking With Dignity,” which is his account of his life.
In addition to his time on “EastEnders,” the actor is well-known for playing Bill Reynolds in the eight-series ITV sitcom “Love Thy Neighbour,” which aired from 1972 to 1976.
Rudolph received a CBE in 2021 for his charitable work and contributions to theater via the Rudolph Walker Foundation.
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