Blaze to kill 'EastEnders' Pat
'EastEnders' Pat Evans is set to die in a fire.
The hard-nosed matriarch - who has been played by Pam St Clement for 25 years - will exit the BBC One soap when the Bed and Breakfast goes up in flames and rips through Albert Square, which will coincide with the return of her step-son Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) and his wife Bianca (Patsy Palmer).
A replica of the hotel is set to be created at the programme's Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, for the scenes, which will air at Christmas.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "The last time 'EastEnders' built something on this set was when they set fire to the Queen Vic last year. It is only used when they need to film fires and explosions.
"They want Pam's character to go out with a bang. The script is so top secret even she doesn't know how Pat is going to go yet. But she will be killed off."
However, soap bosses have refused to confirm the details of Pam's exit.
An 'EastEnders' spokesman said: "There has been a lot of speculation about Pat's departure. We are not going to comment as we do not want to spoil it for viewers."
The 69-year-old actress previously 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."
