'EastEnders' is set for a spooky surprise as Pat Butcher rises from the dead for her friend Peggy Mitchell's passing.

Pam St Clement

Pam St Clement

The eccentric matriarch - portrayed by Pam St Clement - is expected to make her return to Albert Square in a few months' time - four years after she dramatically popped her clogs - to feature in the former pub landlord's (Dame Barbara Windsor) forthcoming emotional exit scenes.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Viewers can expect lots of surprises for Peggy's final episodes. They are not to be missed and will go down in 'EastEnders' history."

It's believed Pat will reappear as an eery hallucination for her friend Peggy - similar to a 'back from the dead' cameo she made in the 2014 'Children in Need' special - just as the bossy matriarch is losing her battle with breast cancer.

The pair, who became the two leading ladies of Albert Square, were known for their rocky relationship but, towards the end, managed to develop an unbreakable bond.

Pat broke hearts in 2012 when she passed away in a New Year's episode - dedicated to her - in the soap shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Up until her shocking death four years ago, Pat was one of the longest-serving characters on the show, having spent almost 26 years on the well-known Albert Square.

Meanwhile, Pat isn't the only familiar face set for a return as Peggy's favourite son Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and megabitch daughter Sam Mitchell (Danniella Westbrook) will also rush to their mother's death bed just before she passes.

Dame Barbara - who has appeared in the show on and off since 1994 - announced she was leaving the soap for good earlier this year after she asked bosses to kill her off.