Francis "Frank" Butcher was a fictional character in the popular British soap opera EastEnders. He was played by the late Mike Reid as a regular character from 1987 until 1994, for short stints from 1995 to 1996 and then a regular from 1997 to 2000, although he has made a handful of brief reappearances since. Given the widespread identification of Mike Reid as Frank, it is unlikely the charcter will return, after Reid's death in July 2007. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (669x875, 95 KB) This work is a copyrighted publicity photograph. ... Michael Mike Reid (born January 19, 1940) is an English Cockney comedian and character actor. ... September 8 is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... December 9 is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage, which can be contrasted with an annulment which is a declaration that a marriage is void, though the effects of marriage may be recognized in such unions, such as spousal support, child custody and distribution of property. ... A businessman (sometimes businesswoman, female; or businessperson, gender neutral) is a generic term for a wide range of people engaged in profit-oriented enterprises, generally the management of a company. ... Richard Ricky Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Daughter of secondhand-car salesman, Frank, student Diane Butcher arrived in Albert Square in 1988 when her father married Pat Wicks and took over as landlord of the Queen Victoria pub. ... Clare Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Janine Evans (née Butcher) was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Mo Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Alice, a fictional character based on a real character from the work of Lewis Carroll. ... For Philippine soap opera, see Teleserye. ... EastEnders is a popular BBC television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC1 on 19 February 1985[4] and continuing to date. ... Michael Mike Reid (born January 19, 1940) is an English Cockney comedian and character actor. ... // The following is a list of notable deaths in 2007. ...

Frank was a wheeler-dealer, who liked to think of himself as a 'big player' in the business world, but in reality he was little more than a wily conman. He was a smooth-talker and full of charm, but his actions were often thoughtless and instead of facing up to his responsibilities he tended to scarper, leaving his loved ones to pick up the pieces. His love affair with Pat Harris stemmed back to his twenties, and he could never quite let her go, always breaking her heart, disappearing and returning to break it all over again. Patricia Pat Evans (née Harris; previously Beale, Wicks and Butcher) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Character creation and development

The character of Frank was introduced to the series in September 1987, making only a brief appearance as Pat Wicks's old flame, who she briefly liaised with on an away-day with the ladies' darts team. Although it couldn't have been predicted at the time, Frank was perhaps the most important introduction to the series that year, as the popularity of his appearance led to him playing a far greater role the following year. Frank was played by Mike Reid. Reid was already an established comedian and well known to the British audience. The casting of a comedian in a dramatic role was highly controversial at the time, but over the years the wisdom of that decision has been proved, as Frank has become one of the show's most popular and iconic characters.^[1] His successful casting set a precedent in British soap, and subsequently, many established comedians and comic actors have gone on to play substantial roles in several notable soap operas, including Barbara Windsor, Bradley Walsh, Shane Ritchie and Les Dennis, among others. Patricia Pat Evans (née Harris; formerly Beale, Wicks, Butcher) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Michael Mike Reid (born January 19, 1940) is an English Cockney comedian and character actor. ... A comedian, or comic, is an entertainer who amuses an audience by making them laugh. ... Barbara Ann Deeks MBE (born 6 August 1937), better known as Barbara Windsor, sometimes known as Babs Windsor, is an English actress. ... Bradley Walsh (born 4 June 1960) is an English comedian and latterly television actor. ... Shane Patrick Roche (born March 11, 1964), better known by his stage name Shane Richie, is a British actor and comedian. ... Les Dennis (born Leslie Dennis Heseltine on October 12, 1954 in Liverpool, Merseyside, England) is an English television presenter and actor. ...

Frank in the early 1990s.

Following Anita Dobson's (Angie) and Leslie Grantham's (Den) decisions to quit the show in 1988, Frank was reintroduced as a full-time character and installed as the new landlord of The Queen Vic, which he ran with his future wife, Pat, before opening a used car-lot on the Square. Although extremely different from their predecessors, Frank and Pat were also a live-wire couple whose relationship captivated the audience. Their wedding in 1989 is deemed as one of the years highlights. Penned by new EastEnders writer Tony Jordan, Frank and Pat celebrated their big day in true East End style with a street party organised by Frank's mother, Mo. Although planned for a summer's day, the lot material filmed on Albert Square was recorded in the middle of gale-force winds.^[1] The episode was scripted to portray a strong sense of community spirit and a feel-good theme, as up until that year EastEnders had come under attack by critics who suggested the show had become too depressing. 11.9 million viewers tuned in to see Frank and Pat finally tie the knot.^[2] Image File history File links Size of this preview: 661 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (666 × 604 pixel, file size: 40 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) This image is a low resoultion screenshot taken from the BBC television programme EastEnders. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 661 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (666 × 604 pixel, file size: 40 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) This image is a low resoultion screenshot taken from the BBC television programme EastEnders. ... Anita Dobson (born April 29, 1949 in Stepney, London) is an English television actress. ... Angela Angie Watts (née Shaw) was a fictional character on the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Leslie Grantham as Den Watts in EastEnders Leslie Grantham (born April 30, 1947) is a British Actor. ... Dennis Den Watts was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. ... The iconic look for the Queen Victoria, that has been used since 1992. ... Tony Jordan on the set of EastEnders Tony Jordan is the lead writer and story consultant for BBC Soap Opera EastEnders and has written for the soap since 1985, he is considered to be a somewhat veteran of the soap. ... The East End of London, known locally as the East End, is an area, with no formal authority or boundaries, that spans a number of administative districts of London in England. ... Mo Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Albert Square is the fictional location of the British soap opera Eastenders. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

However, as is customary in EastEnders, their marriage didn't remain happy for long, and after an array of family and monetary problems, Frank began to delve into deep depression. Playing a depressed character took its toll on Mike Reid and he also began to suffer with depression, so in 1994 he took a long hiatus from EastEnders.^[3] On-screen his character attempted an insurance scam by having his car-lot torched and was unable to cope with the resulting guilt after the fire claimed the life of a homeless man. Frank disappeared from the show under a cloud of mystery and for a while he was presumed dead. Pat eventually moved on, and moved in with another man only for Frank to make a shocking return. 17.0 million viewers tuned in to see Frank reunited with Pat on Christmas day 1995.^[4] However, his stay was brief, lasting only a few months, but it drew a line under his relationship with Pat and after failing to win her back, Frank was forced to move on too. Frank made several brief appearances in the show after this time, but in December of 1997 he made a full-time return, this time as a love interest to landlady Peggy Mitchell. However Frank's affinity with Pat remained an underlying theme for both characters, and despite being separated, viewers were regularly reminded of their lustful connection. Pat's fourth husband Roy Evans was deliberately made impotent in the series, so Pat would not be sexually unfaithful to Frank.^[5] In an interview Pam St. Clement, who plays Pat, has suggested that Pat and Frank are the biggest "love story" in EastEnders, commenting; "the trouble is, they're a classic example of a couple who can't live with each other and yet don't want to live without each other."^[6] Clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder, or unipolar depression when compared to bipolar disorder) is a state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individuals social functioning and/or activities of daily living. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Margaret Peggy Mitchell (née Martin, previously Butcher) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Roy Evans was a fictional character in EastEnders. ... Impotence or, more clinically, erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection of the penis for satisfactory sexual intercourse regardless of the capability of ejaculation. ... Pamela Pam St. ...

Upon his return, Frank was once again pivotal to many explosive storylines including the accidental murder of Tiffany Mitchell, a marriage to Peggy and a battle to regain control of The Queen Vic with Dan Sullivan. However in 2000, Reid began to go through some poor health. After suffering with nervous exhaustion, which he attributed to EastEnders' gruelling filming schedule, Reid was forced to take an unplanned break from the show. Penned scripts and plots had to be completely rewritten to account for his absence, including the departure of Sid Owen who played Reid's on-screen son Ricky. The storyline initially planned to have Frank and Ricky involved in one of EastEnders renowned two-hander episodes, but due to Reid's absence Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, had to stand in for the episode; resulting in a slightly less plausible plotline.^[7] Upon Reid's return further problems arose, allegedly regarding the producers decision not to allow him to attend a charity function that was being held in his honour.^[7] Reid allegedly quit in protest, although the BBC have since denied this.^[8] Reid was persuaded by producer John Yorke to remain in the role for a further 6 months in order to facilitate one further explosive storyline.^[7] Frank resumed his relationship with old flame Pat whilst still married to Peggy, but was famously caught out and shamed by his fuming wife in front of a packed pub on Guy Fawkes Night 2000. After receiving a hefty slap, Frank left once again, leaving his wife in serious debt, just as he had done to Pat years earlier. Tiffany Dawn Mitchell (née Raymond) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Daniel Dan Sullivan was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap Opera EastEnders. ... Sid Owen (born David Sutton on 12 January 1972 in London) is an English actor. ... Richard Ricky Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... EastEnders two-hander episodes refers to singular episodes of the BBC soap opera EastEnders that feature only two members of the cast for the duration. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Phillip James Phil Mitchell is a long-running fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... John Yorke: Executive Producer of EastEnders, December 1999 - May 2002 John Yorke is currently the Controller of Continuing Drama Series and Head of Independent Drama for the BBC. He joined the BBC in the late 1980s, working initially in radio as a studio manager and then as a producer on... A Guy Fawkes Night firework display Guy Fawkes Night, also called Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration (but not a public holiday) on the evening of the 5th of November primarily in the United Kingdom, but also in former British colonies New Zealand, South Africa, the island of Newfoundland (Canada...

Since this time Frank has made several brief appearances in the show, and was even given his own spin-off special, entitled EastEnders: Perfectly Frank. The programme followed Frank as he set up a new business in Somerset and brought in an entirely new set of characters unrelated to those in Albert Square. The soap bubble was written by Tony Jordan, directed by Clive Arnold and aired in 2003. The project was relatively unsuccessful and was only watched by 3.8 million viewers and despite rumours that the concept was being groomed as a potential spin-off series, this did not materialise.^[9] Frank made yet another comeback to EastEnders in early December 2005, for another week's stint, but Reid made it clear on The Paul O'Grady Show that this was to be the final time viewers would see Frank, as the storyline gave ultimate closure to his relationship with Pat. Reid has allegedly turned down subsequent offers of a return.^[3] This is a list of EastEnders special spin-off episodes that have aired over the years. ... This article is about the county of Somerset in England. ... The New Paul OGrady Show (formerly The Paul OGrady Show) is a British comedy chat show on Channel 4, formerly aired on ITV1. ...

Frank seducing Pat naked was voted the fifth top soap moment of all time in 2004.

Frank remains one of EastEnders best-loved characters and many associate him with a 'golden era of the square'.^[10] A comic scene that saw the character seduce Pat by arriving on her doorstep in nothing but a revolving bow-tie has been voted the fifth Top Soap Moment in a five poll in 2004 and he was also voted the seventh most popular King of Soaps in a Channel 4 poll in 2002.^[11] In addition, Frank is fondly remembered for his unique style of cockney slang. A term "dry slap" that Reid introduced into the character's dialogue has transitioned and is now utilised in British culture as a noun to describe a punch.^[12] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Five (often referred as five, as per the logo), formerly, and more commonly known as Channel 5, is the British fifth and final national analogue terrestrial TV channel. ... Channel 4 is a public-service British television station, broadcast to all areas of the United Kingdom (and also the Republic of Ireland), which began transmissions in 1982. ... St Mary-le-Bow The term cockney refers to working-class inhabitants of London, particularly east London, and the slang used by these people. ... Slang is the use of highly informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speakers dialect or language. ... Look up punch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Storylines

Frank started out as a used car-salesman. He met Pat Harris at Butlins in Clacton in 1958 and although he was holidaying with his girlfriend June, he became infatuated with Pat. They began an affair, but then June fell pregnant with Frank's child, so he married her and broke Pat's heart. Frank and Pat would meet up from time to time, and on each occasion the affair would be rekindled. But Frank wouldn't leave June, and Pat eventually married and had children of her own. Patricia Pat Evans (née Harris; previously Beale, Wicks and Butcher) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Butlins Holiday Camps were founded by (later Sir) Billy Butlin to provide economical holidays in the United Kingdom and Ireland. ... Town - Clacton-on-Sea Location - Essex, England Founded - 1871 Population (1991) - 45,065 Clacton-on-Sea is the largest town on the Tendring Peninsula, in Essex, England. ...

Frank and June had four children, Clare, Ricky, Diane and the youngest Janine. However June died of cancer in 1987, leaving Frank bereft and his children motherless. In September 1987 Frank decided to get in contact with Pat once again. They met briefly in Greenwich and Frank informed her of his wife's death, told her that he wanted to reignite their romance and also wanted her to be the mother of his children. He even offered her the chance of a quick romp in a nearby hotel, which deeply offended Pat and she stormed off. Clare Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Richard Ricky Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Daughter of secondhand-car salesman, Frank, student Diane Butcher arrived in Albert Square in 1988 when her father married Pat Wicks and took over as landlord of the Queen Victoria pub. ... Janine Evans (née Butcher) was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis (where cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream or lymphatic system). ... Greenwich is a town, now part of the south eastern urban sprawl of London, England, on the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Greenwich. ...

Frank came in search of Pat for a second time in January 1988. Pat was still resistant but on a Frank's third appearance in March he finally managed to convince her to make another go of things and suggested that they take over tenancy at The Queen Vic since Den and Angie Watts were considering moving on. In order to be granted the lease Frank and Pat were forced to bribe the brewery manager Reg Sparrow. After successfully winning tenancy Frank moved his children Ricky and Diane into the Vic, whilst Janine was put in the care of his eldest daughter Clare away from Walford. The Butchers also inherited a new dog from Den, Roly the poodle. By the end of the year Frank's domineering mother, Mo, also moved to the Square and attempted to run her son's life. The iconic look for the Queen Victoria, that has been used since 1992. ... Dennis Den Watts was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. ... Angela Angie Watts (née Shaw) was a fictional character on the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... The following is a list of minor characters that appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1985 and 1985, by order of first appearance. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Roly was a fictional dog in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ... Mo Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Early years in Walford

In March 1989 Frank decided to go back to his old career as a car salesman. He opened a car-lot on the site of Chris Smith's failed haulage company and began selling secondhand cars. He named the business Frank's Autos. Chris Smith was a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Frank and Pat soon began toying with the idea of getting married and they tied the knot in June 1989 in true cockney style, driving out of the Square in a horse and cart and followed their union with a massive street party.

Frank and Pat marry, June 1989.

It was a brief moment of happiness however, as within a month Pat had become step-mother to Frank's youngest, 5 year old Janine. Janine was the child from hell. She was a bed-wetter, a thief, a sleepwalker, a compulsive liar and self-harmer, and to top it off she hated Pat. Frank's response to his daughter's unruly behaviour was to bribe her with presents rather than discipline her. Pat eventually forced Frank to take her to family therapy, which eased her troublesome behaviour slightly. By the end of the year the Butchers had moved out of The Vic and bought the B&B across the Square, which Pat ran, whilst Frank tended to the car-lot. Pat's son Simon managed the Vic for them with his girlfriend Sharon Watts until 1990 when Eddie Royle was given tenancy. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Janine Evans (née Butcher) was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Simon Wicksy Wicks was a fictional character in the British BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Sharon Watts (now known as Sharon Rickman) is a character on the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean. ... Eddie Royle was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Frank went through an array of family problems in 1990. The year started badly when a deeply unhappy Diane ran away from home. Frank became frantic and made several trips to Leeds in search of her, thinking that she had followed her ex-boyfriend Paul Priestly there. He was wrong and when a young girl's dead body was found, Frank feared the worst, although it turned out not to be Diane. Eventually, after three months of fruitless searching, Diane contacted Frank and he finally brought her home. Later in the year Frank went through more heartache when his mother began to suffer from severe dementia. After accidentally starting a fire in her flat Mo was forced to come and live with the rest of the Butcher's at the B&B, but her deterioration was rapid. In a lucid moment she wrote Frank a letter asking him not to let her end up like her grandmother, who had gone completely mad, saying that she would prefer to die rather than suffer the same fate. Frank was severely torn over what to do, but attempted to adhere to his mother's wish by almost smothering her with a pillow while she slept one afternoon. However he couldn't go through with it and he instead sent Mo off to live with his sister Joan in Colchester. Mo subsequently died in 1992. Leeds is a major city in West Yorkshire, England. ... Paul Priestly was a fictional character in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders. ... For other uses, see Dementia (disambiguation). ... The town of Colchester is the main settlement in the East of England borough of Colchester, Essex. ...

In 1991 Frank became part owner of the Bridge Street cafè with Kathy Beale and Pauline Fowler. The Butchers remained reasonably happy for a while, but in 1992 that all changed. The year began with a huge tax demand, which was swiftly followed by a large VAT bill. This forced them to sell the B&B and the adjoining house, and move into a small flat. Pat tried to turn things around for them by starting her own cab firm, PatCabs, which started to make them some real money again. However, disaster struck on Christmas eve that year, when Pat, whilst doing a short run for a regular customer, had a motor accident and hit and killed a teenage girl. When Pat finally appeared in Court in May 1993 she was given a prison sentence, and forced to serve 6 months inside. The summer months were hard for Frank and Ricky, who tried somewhat unsuccessfully to carry on as normal and, in the autumn when Pat returned, the family struggled to make a new start. Realising that their flat at number 43 was too small, Frank arranged to buy the house next door, number 41, and the Butcher family, plus a newly returned Janine all moved in. The Butchers tried to resurrect PatCabs (renamed F and P Cabs), but it struggled to survive when faced with the dirty tactics of a rival cab firm. Frank was eventually forced to admit defeat and give it up. After selling his share of the café to Phil Mitchell, Frank only had the car-lot left from his once great business empire. However even that was severely suffering in the recession and the Butchers ended the year in financial ruin. Kathy Hills (previously Beale, Mitchell) was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Pauline Fowler (née Beale) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played continuously by actress Wendy Richard[1] from the shows first episode on 19 February 1985 and remaining on-screen for almost twenty-two years. ... vat can be a type of barrel used for storage. ... The Christmas Eve (1904-05), watercolor painting by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson (1853-1919) Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, the preceding day or vigil before Christmas Day, is treated to a greater or a lesser extent in most Christian societies as part of the Christmas season. ... Phillip James Phil Mitchell is a long-running fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... A recession is traditionally defined in macroeconomics as a decline in a countrys real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for two or more successive quarters of a year (equivalently, two consecutive quarters of negative real economic growth). ...

Frank arranged for the car-lot to be torched in an insurance scam (1994).

In desperation Frank arranged with Phil to have the car-lot torched so he could claim on the insurance in 1994. The car-lot went up in flames, but unbeknown to Phil and Frank, a homeless man had been sleeping in one of the motors, and was burnt to death. Frank went to pieces and was soon arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, but later released due to lack of evidence. However doubt remained as to whether or not he had conspired to defraud his insurance company and an investigation took place. Frank tried to cover his tracks by claiming that his accounting books had gone up in flames, however Pat had already given the books to the investigating agent. The pressure became too much for Frank, who was also suffering with severe guilt over the death of the boy. He became so depressed and despondent, no one could get through to him. Unable to stand it any longer, Frank walked away from Walford and his family without warning in April 1994. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

For Pat, not knowing where Frank was, or even if he was still alive, was a nightmare. She searched for him in vain. Eventually Diane brought news that her father was alive and well and had merely run away, and so Pat slowly began getting on with her life. Ricky and Pat's newly returned son, David Wicks, teamed up to reopen the car-lot under the new name, Deals on Wheels. David Wicks (né Beale) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Return to the Square

Pat began a romance with another car-dealer Roy Evans in 1995 and by November he had moved in with her. However soon after Pat received a letter from a psychiatric hospital in Bristol. The letter brought news that Frank had suffered a mental breakdown and had been admitted to hospital, but he had now recovered and wanted to reunite with his family. After a day of contemplation Pat decided to ignore Frank's plea, and tore up the letter. Roy Evans was a fictional character in EastEnders. ... This article is about the English city. ...

However on Christmas day 1995 Frank surprised Pat and his children by showing up unannounced bearing an arm full of gifts. Frank wanted to reunite with Pat, but she wasn't willing to forgive him for abandoning her and leaving her penniless with a hefty mortgage. Frank desperately tried to change her mind, but then became furious himself when he discovered that Pat had shacked up with Roy. After many abusive comments aimed at Roy, Frank departed. Ricky managed to track him down to a nearby B&B after which Frank broke down in tears about the pitiful state his life was now in. Ricky brought Frank back to Walford for one more attempt at winning Pat back, but she now wanted a divorce. Hearing this Frank disappeared once again, but left Ricky a note promising that he would be back. Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Frank returns to the Square, Christmas 1995.

His promise of a return managed to ruffle a few feathers on the Square. David was not pleased as he worried that Frank would try to reclaim the car-lot, and Phil was not pleased either as he worried that Frank was planning to implicate him in the 1994 arson attack. Frank returned in mid January and immediately played up upon his enemies fears. He blackmailed Phil into providing him accommodation, and Phil obliged by allowing him to stay at the Vic, and gave him work behind the bar. Frank them made his intentions clear. He wanted his house, his business and his children and wasn't leaving til he got them. David contacted his lawyers and was relieved to discover that Frank had no claim on the business as the owners of the lease (Ricky, Roy and himself) were the only ones entitled to the business. However, Ricky promptly gave his share to his father and Frank shocked David by turning up for work the very next day. A multitude of arguments followed as both tried to stamp their authority on the business. Frank then menacingly decided to sell the house that Pat was living in. Although she had paid off the mortgage the last few years, it had been left in Frank's name and she had no claim on the house. Roy tried to scare Frank off, badmouthing him to his peers in the motor trade, and subsequently everyone refused to trade with Frank. Various other underhand tricks were played, all of which failed to scare Frank off. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Meanwhile Frank, once again depressed, began drinking heavily and threatened to turn himself into the police about his involvement in the arson attack. Panicking, Pat relented and spent an evening with Frank in an attempt to make him reconsider any rash actions. Their night alone seemed to stir old emotions and as Frank went to leave, Pat stopped him and they ended the night in bed together. She immediately regretted her atcions the following day, but Frank was thrilled and took great pleasure in informing Roy about their tryst. Furious, Roy threatened to leave Pat and in order to stop him she claimed Frank was merely lying. She then finally managed to convince Frank that she didn't love him and begged him to leave. Defeated, Frank decided to move on once again. He signed the house over to Pat and bid her farewell leaving Walford in March of 1996, once again abandoning his children.

Unaware that he had already departed, Roy's son Barry decided to take matters into his own hands. He hired a man to torch the car-lot for a second time hoping Frank would disappear in fear. Unbeknown to him, Phil was in the portacabin waiting on Frank and almost got burnt to death, but was saved by Ricky's heroics. The police automatically suspected Frank, and he was arrested and questioned off-screen. In a bid to make amends for his past crime, Frank told the Police that he was responsible for the second torching of the car lot. However his confession was rejected because he couldn't provide details about how the fire was started. Barry Evans was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Frank moved to Manchester, where he set up a new second-hand car business. Janine joined him in April 1996 and soon after Frank and Pat divorced. Manchester shown within England Coordinates: , Sovereign state United Kingdom Constituent country England Region North West England Ceremonial county Greater Manchester Admin HQ Manchester City Centre Founded 13th Century City Status 1853 Government  - Type Metropolitan borough, City  - Governing body Manchester City Council Area  - Borough & City 115. ...

Relationship with Peggy Mitchell

Frank wasn't seen again until April 1997, when he showed up unexpectedly to witness his son marry Bianca Jackson. He watched tearfully at the back of the church, before slipping away quietly without fuss. He returned again in December that year to console his son, whose unborn baby had been diagnosed with spina bifida and had to be aborted. Frank's arrival was once again met with displeasure from Roy, who had fallen on hard times and still didn't trust him around Pat, even though Frank bailed him out with the bailiffs. Bianca Jackson (née Branning, previously Butcher) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. ... An abortion is the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. ... Bailiff (from Late Latin bajulivus, adjectival form of bajulus) is a governor or custodian (cf. ...

Frank then returned to Manchester for several months but by May he was back again, and on this visit he became attracted to the landlady of the Vic, Peggy Mitchell. After he heroically saved her from a pair of thugs — who were searching for her shady ex George Palmer — Peggy repaid the favour by taking him out to dinner and a flirtatious friendship began to blossom. Frank moved back to Walford in June that year hoping to start a new business. After discovering that George Palmer had purchased Roy's old business, Manor Wood, he made him an offer and Peggy decided to go into partnership with him just to spite George. However George had no intention of selling the business and upped the price of the stock when he discovered their union. Furious, Frank refused to pay, but the ordeal brought him and Peggy closer and by the end of their meeting with George they had decided to begin a relationship. Margaret Peggy Mitchell (née Martin, previously Butcher) is a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... George Palmer was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Peggy was extremely keen for the relationship to progress and despite vast opposition from her sons, Phil and Grant, she had soon asked Frank to move in with her at the Vic. Frank seemed uncertain, but by October he had changed his mind and asked Peggy to marry him. Meanwhile Roy remained jealous about Frank's presence. His business was failing and he still believed Pat harboured feelings for her ex-husband, as she seemed to be extremely jealous about Frank's new found love. Things were not helped when Pat turned to Frank following an argument with Roy and stayed the night at his, only to be witnessed leaving his flat the next morning by Barry Evans. Barry jumped to all the wrong conclusions and after informing both Roy and Peggy about the fabricated affair, all hell broke loose. Peggy called off the engagement and had a vicious fight with Pat and Roy sped off in his car on a suicide bid. Frank was forced to follow Roy and make him rethink his drastic decision. He convinced Roy that nothing had happened between him and Pat, and the two bonded over drinks, leading Frank to admit that he had gotten a young girl named Gemma pregnant in Manchester, and had a young son, Danny, who no one else was aware of (Danny never appeared on-screen). Peggy accepted Frank's explanation of events and Frank and Roy decided to go into partnership in the car-lot. The foursome ended the year as friends. Phillip James Phil Mitchell is a long-running fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Grant Anthony Mitchell was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Rather than surrender to US soldiers, the Mayor (Bürgermeister) of Leipzig Germany, committed suicide along with his wife and daughter on April 20, 1945. ...

Frank & Peggy marry

However the end of the year also brought tragedy for Frank, when whilst driving home for the New Years Eve celebrations, he accidentally hit and killed Tiffany Mitchell in his car. Although Grant had been the reason why Tiffany had frantically ran into the road in the first place, he blamed Frank for her death, accusing him of murder. Frank went to pieces once again. An inquest was held after which a verdict of accidental death was returned. Furious, Grant spent the early part of 1999 trying to split Frank and his mother up, although he was unsuccessful. Image File history File links Frankpeggy99. ... Image File history File links Frankpeggy99. ... New Years Eve is a celebration held the day before New Years Day, on December 31, the final day of the year. ... Tiffany Dawn Mitchell (née Raymond) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Frank moved into the Vic, but their relationship hit a setback when Peggy was told that her breast cancer had returned and she was advised to get a mastectomy. Frank, with typical selfishness, admitted to Roy that he feared he would not find Peggy attractive once her breast had been removed and he failed to be supportive initially. Nevertheless their wedding arrangements went ahead as planned. However, on the day of the wedding in April 1999, Peggy began to have serious second thoughts. She felt that her husband-to-be would find her unattractive and incomplete now her breast was gone. She changed her mind just at the last minute, much to Frank's relief, and the two ran then ran the pub together. Breast cancer is cancer of breast tissue. ... In medicine, mastectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. ...

Peggy began to grow disillusioned with Walford later in the year and after much prompting from Frank, she decided to sell the pub and emigrate to Spain. However Phil, who was having a massive feud with Peggy at this time, ruined their plans by selling his half of the Vic to his friend, Dan Sullivan, for £5 on Christmas day 1999. Frank and Peggy were forced to share the pub with a man they loathed and this meant they could no longer afford to move away. Peggy, Frank and Dan battled with each other over the running of the pub, and were often involved in games of one-upmanship, which only sought to increase animosity and make their working life unbearable. However Dan made a grave mistake when he decided to inform the police about Roy selling dodgy motors on his car-lot, which happened to be supplied by Phil. Phil and Peggy patched up their differences and he and Frank set up a card game where he conned Dan into waging his share of the Vic, and the resulting win finally managed to get rid of Dan. Daniel Dan Sullivan was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap Opera EastEnders. ... One-upmanship is the systematic and conscious practice of making ones associates feel inferior and thereby gaining the status of being one-up on them, as described by Stephen Potter in his tongue-in-cheek self-help books, and in film and television derivatives from them. ...

Affair with Pat

Peggy finds out about Pat and Frank's affair

In 2000, Frank began to have second thoughts about marrying Peggy and realised that he still loved Pat. Meanwhile Peggy realised all was not quite right in their marriage, and after she underwent reconstructive surgury on her breast (partly to please Frank) she decided that the best way to solve their issues was to renew their marriage vows. Frank could not take his mind off Pat however, and whilst the couples were on a joint holiday in Spain that year, Frank seduced her and they ended up in bed together. Pat tried to call it off upon their return, but when Frank turned up on her doorstep naked (apart from a comedy bow-tie), she realised that she had never stopped loving him either. Their affair continued for several months and they eventually decided to elope to Manchester. They were due to depart on Guy Fawkes Night in November that year, but suddenly Pat started to have second thoughts. It was too late however, as Peggy had already got her hands on Frank's dear John letter. Peggy shamed the cheating duo by reading the letter to the entire pub, and then famously slapped both Frank and Pat in full view of everyone, including Roy. Phil offered to eliminate Frank for Peggy, but she opted to kick him out instead and he left Walford, abandoning his daughter Janine in the process. Pat went after him shouting his name but he didn't hear and drove off leaving her sobbing in the street after being thrown out by Roy. Frank also left Peggy in severe debt and she was forced to sell the Vic to Sharon Watts in 2001. Image File history File links PATFRANKPEGGY.jpg Summary Picture taken from BBCs EastEnders(Screenshot) Licensing This image is a screenshot of a copyrighted television program or station ID. As such, the copyright for it is most likely owned by the company or corporation that produced it. ... Image File history File links PATFRANKPEGGY.jpg Summary Picture taken from BBCs EastEnders(Screenshot) Licensing This image is a screenshot of a copyrighted television program or station ID. As such, the copyright for it is most likely owned by the company or corporation that produced it. ... A Guy Fawkes Night firework display Guy Fawkes Night, also called Bonfire Night, is an annual celebration (but not a public holiday) on the evening of the 5th of November primarily in the United Kingdom, but also in former British colonies New Zealand, South Africa, the island of Newfoundland (Canada... Sharon Anne Rickman (née Hanley, previously Watts and Mitchell) is a fictional character in the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders. ...

Brief comebacks

In January 2002 Frank was seen again in a special week of episodes in Spain. Peggy had received news that Frank had died in a car crash and she travelled to Spain for his funeral. However whilst at the funeral she was surprised to see Frank in attendance. Several irate conversations revealed that Frank had faked his own death in order to rip off large numbers of expatriates in a property scam with his new girlfriend Krystle. However Krystle in turn conned Frank the same week, running off with all his money and leaving him penniless. Despite his past actions Peggy took pity and bailed Frank out with some money, turning down the opportunity of starting a new life together with him at the same time. Also see: 2002 (number). ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

In 2003 a special spin-off episode entitled EastEnders: Perfectly Frank aired, which followed Frank returning from Spain and setting up two businesses in Somerset; a club called Frank's Empire Club and a car valeting service. When a local gangster sent him a car to valet, his assistant found a body in the boot! Frank and the staff at the club didn't want to fall foul of the gangster, but didn't want the police asking questions either so they chucked the body into the water over the side of the pier. Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 2003 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A spin-off (or spinoff) is a new organization or entity formed by a split from a larger one such as a new company formed from a university research group. ... This is a list of EastEnders special spin-off episodes that have aired over the years. ... This article is about the county of Somerset in England. ...

Frank returned to Walford for another week stint on 5 December 2005 when Pat ran into him five years after he was last in Walford at the Crown Court. She had gone to give evidence at the trial of his daughter Janine, who was alleged to have murdered Laura Beale. December 5 is the 339th day (340th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Crown Court and County Court in Oxford. ... Laura Ellen Beale (née Dunn) was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

Frank pretended Janine had refused to see him, but soon revealed the true intentions of his return and attempted to get Pat to change her mind about giving evidence against Janine by seducing her and taking her to bed. The following morning he revealed that he'd been back in town for weeks and Janine had already told him she was innocent and that Pat was framing her. Pat admitted this was true, but informed him of the murder of Barry Evans, which she had previously gotten away with. Pat was shocked that Frank would use their relationship to manipulate her and despite Frank warning her that would testify in court that she was lying and see her sent down for perjury, she remained defiant. However, after meeting with Laura's mother, who was on a quest for the truth, she decided to change her story and admitted that Janine was innocent of the murder.

Frank was thrilled that Janine was freed and ignored Pat's warnings regarding his wayward daughter. Frank and Pat then said an emotional farewell with Frank commenting that she'd always be his babe. Frank then went to reunite with Janine outside the court but was heartbroken to discover that she'd already fled without him and was only using him to secure her release. This was Frank's last appearance.

The death of Mike Reid in July 2007, given his identification with the role, makes the future return of the character unlikely.

Family

• Father: Chike Butcher (deceased)
• Mother: Mo Butcher (deceased)
• Sister: Joan Garwood
• Sons: Ricky Butcher, Danny Butcher
• Daughters: Diane Butcher, Clare Butcher, Janine Evans
• Grandsons: Jacques Butcher, Liam Butcher
• Grandaughter: Natasha Butcher (deceased)

Mo Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... The following is a list of minor characters that appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1990 and 1994, by order of first appearance. ... Richard Ricky Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Daughter of secondhand-car salesman, Frank, student Diane Butcher arrived in Albert Square in 1988 when her father married Pat Wicks and took over as landlord of the Queen Victoria pub. ... Clare Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Janine Evans (née Butcher) was a fictional character in the British soap opera EastEnders. ... Liam Butcher was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... Dennis Den Watts was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. ... Angela Angie Watts (née Shaw) was a fictional character on the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ... The iconic look for the Queen Victoria, that has been used since 1992. ... Eddie Royle was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. ...

In popular culture

During the 1990s, whilst on a hiatus from EastEnders, Mike Reid starred in an advert for the soft drink Oasis, whose slogan at the time was "Open, pour, be yourself once more". In the advert, Reid was dressed as Frank and initially roamed around with an uncharacteristically sunny disposition, until he drank the beverage and trod in a cow pat. After which he took on a miserable disposition and exclaimed "Pat... Oh Pat, what have you done to me Pat?" in a blatant reference to his EastEnders alter ego.^[13] This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

References

Colin Brake (born 1963) is a television writer and script editor best known for his work for the BBC on programs such as Bugs and EastEnders. ... This is a list of books about or relating to the British soap opera EastEnders. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 312th day of the year (313th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

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Frank Butcher

• Frank Butcher at bbc.co.uk