EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has shared the heartbreaking reason he's returning to the BBC soap.
Williamson last appeared on the programme in 2004 but will make his return to Albert Square for a one-off special this year.
The actor played Barry Evans and left the programme after his on-screen wife Janine Butcher revealed all to him about her affair with Paul Trueman.
During the scene, she told Barry Evans that their marriage was a sham as he begged her not to go.
She then pushed him, causing him to fall off a cliff and hit his head, resulting in his death.
However, it was recently confirmed that Williamson would be returning to EastEnders.
Barry Evans returns to #EastEnders after 21 years away from Nigel's dementia storyline. Head here for more info! ➡️ https://t.co/KwG8aosC9A pic.twitter.com/Fnx35JfbTF
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) November 15, 2025
Shaun Williamson reveals the reason he's returning to EastEnders
Barry will return alongside Pat Butcher to Walford as Nigel Bates's dementia symptoms worsen, forcing the pair, who have had a tense relationship, to work together to help him out.
The EastEnders episode has been produced in close collaboration with Dementia UK.
Ahead of his return, Williamson has opened up about the real reason he's decided to come back.
Speaking to The Sun, the actor said: "It felt incredibly personal for me.
“My mum passed away after getting dementia. We lost her in 2022.
“That’s why I thought returning was such a great idea, and why the story hit me so deeply.
“I was shocked to be asked, but genuinely thrilled.
“Covid was especially hard on her — mainly due to the lack of social interaction.
“We did everything we could as a family to support her, but she then suffered a stroke and we lost her.
“It was heartbreaking. She was 87.
“I wanted to raise awareness because in 30 to 40 years’ time it’s predicted that dementia cases will have doubled.
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“That’s a frightening thought.”
When the news of Williamson's return was first announced, the actor shared that he was in "complete shock", adding: "I have to admit to a few nerves (loads!) when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria, but it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode.
"Just goes to show, you never know what's around the corner!"
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