Pam St Clement, best known for her iconic portrayal of Pat Butcher in the long-running BBC
soap opera EastEnders, has recently revealed intriguing, never-before-shared details about her character’s signature earrings. Pam, who played Pat from 1986 until 2012, with a one-off appearance in 2016, became synonymous with Pat’s flamboyant and distinctive jewellery,
particularly her oversized, dangling earrings. Now, as the show prepares to celebrate its
40th anniversary, Pam has shared the surprising inspiration behind these memorable accessories.
Speaking with Ross Kemp, who played Grant Mitchell, in a new documentary dedicated to the soap’s milestone anniversary, Pam recounted the origins of Pat Butcher’s iconic earrings. “When I got the part of Pat, like any actor, I decided to do a bit of homework,” Pam explained. “I saw this bus conductress on a number 38 bus, and she was wearing these most dangly earrings… Pat always wears the earrings that fit her mood.”
Pam’s dedication to crafting her character extended to her accessory choices. She described how she collected an extensive selection of earrings over the years. “You know those toolboxes you can get that fold up?” she said. “I had one of those and a wall bracket with dangling earrings, but the interesting thing is most of them came from viewers.”
It turns out that fans of EastEnders felt a strong connection to Pat Butcher’s sense of style and contributed to her earring collection by sending in pieces they believed suited the character. “They’d say, ‘I saw these in the market and thought they were absolutely right for Pat!'” Pam shared, expressing her gratitude for the viewers’ involvement and affection for her character.
The earrings became more than just accessories; they were a representation of Pat’s personality and emotional state. Whether she was embroiled in a heated argument with Peggy Mitchell, played by the late Dame Barbara Windsor, or sharing a tender moment with her family, the earrings added a visual element to the storytelling that fans came to love.
The documentary, EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, will air on Monday, February 17, at 8 pm on BBC One. In addition to Pam St Clement and Ross Kemp, the special will feature appearances by other legendary cast members such as Anita Dobson, who played original Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, alongside Letitia Dean, who portrays her on-screen daughter Sharon Watts. Long-standing stars Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Beale) and Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale) will also join the nostalgic reflections on the show’s enduring success.
The 40th-anniversary celebrations won’t stop with the documentary. BBC One has planned a week of special programming to commemorate the soap’s remarkable milestone. Fans can look forward to appearances from past and present cast members on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and Celebrity Bridge of Lies.
On Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, set to air on Friday, February 14, actors Danielle Harold (Lola Pearce) and Max Bowden (Ben Mitchell) will try their luck at auctions while uncovering valuable antiques. The following day, on Saturday, February 15, Ross Kemp will return to his presenting duties for Celebrity Bridge of Lies. Contestants will include Adam Woodyatt, Michelle Collins (Cindy Beale), Micah Balfour (Junior Knight), and Molly Rainford (Anna Knight), all vying to outwit the titular bridge of lies.
The festivities will culminate in a series of special episodes that promise to deliver the drama, twists, and emotional storytelling that have made EastEnders a household name for four decades. As fans eagerly await these celebratory events, Pam St Clement’s revelation about her character’s earrings adds another layer of charm to the rich history of the soap. The earrings, much like the show itself, hold a special place in the hearts of the viewers who have grown up with the residents of Albert Square.
Whether through the extravagant earrings that became her trademark or the complex, multi-dimensional character she brought to life, Pam St Clement’s portrayal of Pat Butcher remains one of the most beloved in British television history. As the EastEnders 40th anniversary approaches, fans are sure to look back fondly on Pat’s memorable moments and, of course, her unforgettable earrings.
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