EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson reveals original plan for Barry before iconic death at the hands of Janine Butcher
SHAUN Williamson has revealed the original plan for his beloved EastEnders character – before being killed by Janine Butcher.
The fan-favourite starred in the BBC One soap for 10 years playing paramedic Barry Evans.
However, the beloved character met his fate exactly 20 years ago when Janine Butcher pushed him off a cliff.
Barry was newly married to the twisted character, played by Charlie Brooks, when she sent him plunging to his death.
And now in a shock revelation, Shaun has revealed Barry was never supposed to die.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the launch of UKTV’s streaming service U, the 58-year-old said he wanted to leave Walford for good.
He explained: “Barry was originally supposed to end Janine on Valentine’s Day that year.
“But then I’d decided I wanted to leave after being there for 10 years.
“They [producers] then re-wrote scripts and flipped things around so that I would die instead.”
It comes as Shaun revealed he’s up for reprising his role for EastEnders‘ 40th anniversary – albeit as a ghost.
He told us: “I’d definitely love to go back as a ghost, who knows.”
BBC bosses recently announced how Michael French would reprise his role as David Wicks.
The actor – who last played David in 2014 – has signed up for a shock comeback for a brief stint of episodes later this year.
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
Here’s the latest on:
- EastEnders spoilers
- New, leaving and returning cast members
- Where is EastEnders filmed and can you visit the set?
- Inside EastEnders abandoned original set
- The history of EastEnders iconic pub The Queen Victoria
- The biggest ever ‘duff duff’ moments
- Longest serving cast members
- Shocking Albert Square serial killers
- The soap’s most iconic episodes