Frank Butcher
Encyclopedia
Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character
from the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
, played by the late Mike Reid
. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long hiatus from EastEnders in 1994. Frank returned as a recurring character from December 1995 to January 1998, and eventually became a regular once again from May 1998 to November 2000, when Reid quit. Frank made three brief reappearances after that, the final one in December 2005. Given the widespread identification of Mike Reid as Frank, Reid's death in July 2007 led to BBC
bosses deciding that it would not be possible for the character to return in the future. In November 2007, it was announced that the character would die off-screen and in April 2008 his funeral was screened as part of a special set of episodes, dubbed Frank week.
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 he tended to scarper instead of facing up to his responsibilities, 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.
in Clacton in 1958 and despite being on holiday with his girlfriend, June, he was attracted to Pat. They had an affair but June got pregnant, so he married her and broke Pat's heart. Frank and Pat met up from time to time, and on each occasion, the affair was rekindled. Frank wouldn't leave June, however, and Pat eventually married and had children of her own.
Frank and June had four children, Clare, Ricky
, Diane
and Janine. However, June died of cancer
in 1987, leaving Frank bereft and his children motherless. In September 1987, Frank got in touch with Pat again. They met briefly in Greenwich
and Frank told her that June had died. He wanted to reignite their romance and asked 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.
Frank came looking for Pat again in January 1988. Pat was still resistant but when Frank appeared again in March, he finally convinced 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 bribed the brewery manager, Reg Sparrow. After successfully winning tenancy, Frank and his children, Ricky and Diane, moved into the Vic whilst Janine was left in the care of her sister, Clare. The Butchers also inherited a dog from Den, Roly
the poodle
. By the end of the year, Frank's domineering mother, Mo
, joined them in the Square and attempted to run her son's life.
In March 1989, Frank went 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 second-hand cars. He named the business Frank's Autos.
Frank and Pat soon began talking about 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 had a massive street party for their reception. It was a brief moment of happiness however, as within a month, Frank and Pat were joined by Frank's youngest child, 5-year-old Janine
. She was the child from hell - a bed-wetter, thief, sleepwalker, compulsive liar and self-harmer, and she hated Pat. Frank's response to Janine'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 ran the car-lot. Pat's son, Simon
, managed the Vic with his girlfriend Sharon Watts until 1990 when Eddie Royle
was given tenancy.
Frank suffered a number 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
, searching for her, thinking that she had followed her ex-boyfriend, Paul Priestly
. He was wrong and when a young girl's body was found, Frank feared the worst, although it wasn't Diane. Three months later, Diane contacted Frank and he brought her home. Later that year, Frank was devastated to realise that his mother was suffering severe dementia
. After accidentally starting a fire in her flat, Mo was forced to join the Butchers' 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 rather die 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. However, he couldn't go through with it and instead sent Mo to live with his sister, Joan, in Colchester
. Mo subsequently died in 1992.
In 1991, Frank became part owner of the Bridge Street café with Kathy Beale and Pauline Fowler
. The Butchers were happy for a while but that changed in 1992. The year began with a huge tax demand, 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 turning things around by starting her own cab firm, PatCabs, which started making them some real money. However, disaster struck on Christmas Eve
that year, when Pat, whilst doing a run for a regular customer, ran over a teenage girl and left her seriously injured. Pat went to enquire about the girl in hospital on New Year's Eve, only to find out that she had died. On the same day, Frank also received the news of his mother's death.
Pat appeared in court in May 1993 and was sentenced to six months in prison. Those months were hard for Frank and Ricky, who tried to carry on as normal and when Pat returned, the family struggled to make a new start. Realising that the flat at Number 43 was too small, Frank arranged to buy the house next door, Number 41, and Frank, Pat, Ricky and Janine moved in. The Butchers tried resurrecting PatCabs (renamed F and P Cabs), but struggled to survive when faced with the dirty tactics of a rival cab firm. Frank was eventually admitted defeat and wound the business up. After selling his share of the café to Phil Mitchell
, Frank was left with only the car lot from his former business empire. However, even that was suffering in the recession
and the Butchers ended the year in financial ruin.
In desperation to resolve his financial problems, Frank arranged with Phil to torch the car-lot so he could claim the insurance in March 1994. The car-lot caught fire as agreed but, unknown to Phil and Frank, a homeless man was sleeping in one of the motors, and burnt to death. Frank went to pieces and was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
, but later released due to lack of evidence. However, doubt remained as to whether he had conspired to defraud his insurance company and an investigation took place. Frank tried covering his tracks by claiming that the accounts had gone up in flames but Pat gave the books to the investigating agent. The pressure became too much for Frank, who was suffering 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 left Walford and his family without warning in April 1994.
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 told her that Frank was alive, having merely run away, and so Pat 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.
Pat began a romance with another car-dealer Roy Evans
in 1995 and by November, they were living together. However, soon after Pat received a letter from a psychiatric hospital in Bristol
. The letter brought news that Frank had suffered a breakdown and had been admitted to hospital but he had recovered and wanted to reunite with his family. After a day of contemplation, Pat decided to ignore his plea, and tore up the letter.
However, on Christmas day 1995, Frank surprised Pat and the children by arriving with an arm full of gifts. Frank wanted to reconcile with Pat, but she wasn't willing to forgive him for abandoning her and leaving her penniless. Frank desperately tried to change her mind, but became furious to discover that Pat had shacked up with Roy. After many abusive comments aimed at Roy, Frank departed. Ricky tracked him down to a nearby B&B after which Frank broke down in tears about the pitiful state his life was in. Ricky brought Frank back to Walford for one more attempt at winning Pat back but she wanted a divorce. Hearing this, Frank disappeared again, but left Ricky a note promising that he would be back.
His promise of a return ruffled a few feathers on the Square. David worried that Frank would try to reclaim the car-lot and Phil worried that Frank would implicate him in the 1994 car lot arson. Frank returned in mid-January and immediately played up upon his enemies' fears. He blackmailed Phil into putting him up - Phil allowed him to stay at the Vic and gave him work behind the bar. Frank made his intentions clear. He wanted his house, his business and his children back and wasn't leaving until he got them. David contacted his lawyers and was relieved to discover that Frank had no claim on the car-lot as the owners of the lease (Ricky, Roy and himself) were the only ones entitled to the business. However, Ricky gave his share to his father and Frank shocked David by turning up for work the next day. A multitude of arguments followed as both tried stamping their authority on the business. Frank then decided to sell Pat's house. Although she had paid off the mortgage, the house was still in Frank's name and she had no claim on it. Roy tried scaring 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.
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 regretted her actions the next day but Frank was thrilled and took great pleasure in telling Roy. Furious, Roy threatened to leave Pat and in order to stop him, she claimed Frank was lying. She then finally convinced Frank that she didn't love him and begged him to leave. Defeated, Frank decided to move on. He signed the house over to Pat and bid her farewell, leaving Walford in March 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 a second time hoping Frank would disappear in fear. Unknown to him, Phil was in the Portakabin office, waiting for Frank and almost died but was saved by Ricky. 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 but his confession was rejected because he couldn't provide details about how the fire was started.
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. Later that year, Frank had a son, Danny, with a younger woman.
After being absent for over a year, Frank returned briefly in April 1997, when he returned for his son's wedding to Bianca Jackson
. He watched tearfully at the back of the church, before slipping away quietly without fuss. He returned again in December to console his son, whose unborn baby was diagnosed with spina bifida
and aborted
. Frank's arrival was once again met with displeasure from Roy, who had fallen on hard times and didn't trust him around Pat, even though Frank bailed him out with the bailiffs.
Frank returned to Manchester for several months, but was back by May 1998, and became attracted to the landlady of the Vic, Peggy Mitchell
. After he saved her from a pair of thugs — who were looking 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, 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 went into partnership with him to spite George. However, George had no intention of selling the business and upped the price 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.
Peggy was extremely keen for the relationship to progress and despite opposition from her sons, Phil
and Grant
, she soon asked Frank to move in with her at the Vic. Frank was uncertain but by October, he had asked Peggy to marry him. Meanwhile, Roy was jealous about Frank's presence. His business was failing and he thought Pat had feelings for her ex-husband, as she was extremely jealous about Frank's new found love. Things were not helped when Pat turned to Frank, following an argument with Roy, and spent the night at his, only to be seen leaving his flat the next morning by Barry Evans. Barry jumped to conclusions and informed Roy and Peggy that Frank and Pat were having an 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 went after Roy and made 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.
However, the end of the year brought tragedy for Frank, when whilst driving home for the New Years Eve celebrations, he accidentally ran over Tiffany Mitchell
(Martine McCutcheon
), who was arguing with her husband Grant Mitchell
(Ross Kemp
) in the middle of the road. Frank didn't see Tiffany until it was too late and she hit her head on the pavement, killing her outright. Although Grant was to blame for Tiffany frantically running into the road, 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.
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 have a mastectomy
. Frank, with typical selfishness, admitted to Roy his fears that he would not find Peggy attractive once her breast had been removed and failed to be supportive initially. Nevertheless, their wedding arrangements went ahead as planned. However, on their wedding day in April 1999, Peggy began having 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 then ran the pub together.
Peggy became disillusioned with Walford later in the year and after much prompting from Frank, decided to sell the pub and emigrate to Spain. However, Phil 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 they could no longer afford to emigrate. Peggy, Frank and Dan fought each other over the running of the pub, and were often involved in games of one-upmanship
, which only increased animosity and made their working life unbearable. However, Dan made a grave mistake when he informed the police about Roy selling dodgy motors on his car-lot, which were supplied by Phil. Phil and Peggy patched up their differences and he and Frank set up a card game where Dan was conned into waging his share of the Vic, and the resulting win finally managed to get rid of Dan.
In 2000, Frank began having second thoughts about marrying Peggy and realised that he still loved Pat. Meanwhile, Peggy realised something was wrong and after reconstructive surgery on her breast (partly to please Frank), she decided they should renew their marriage vows. Frank could not take his mind off Pat however, and whilst on a joint holiday in Spain that year, 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 leave on Guy Fawkes Night
that year, but Pat had second thoughts. It was too late however, as Peggy had already got 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. Phil offered to eliminate Frank for Peggy but she kicked him out instead and he left Walford, abandoning Janine in the process. Pat went after him, shouting his name, but he didn't hear her. He drove off, leaving her sobbing in the street, after Roy threw her out. Frank also left Peggy in severe debt and she was forced to sell the Vic to Sharon Watts
in 2001.
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 expatriate
s 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.
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.
Frank returned one final time 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
.
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 and that he would love her right up until his last breath and beyond. 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 although it was hinted at that Pat and Frank stayed in contact as Pat was aware of Janines no show after the trial even though she'd departed before the incident had occurred.
On 31 March 2008, more than two years after he was last seen in Walford, it was revealed by Diane and Ricky that Frank had died at Diane's home in France two days earlier of throat cancer. He had apparently been ill for months and couldn't talk by the end, thus being the reason he didn't want Pat to know. His body was brought to Walford to be cremated. Pat and Peggy went through a period of contemplation and grief, bringing to the surface old arguments regarding Frank. Pat was initially upset that she had not been informed of Frank's illness, but she was comforted when she received his special gift, a revolving bow-tie as worn by Frank in his attempt to seduce Pat in 2000, Ricky said it wrapping it himself was one of his last acts.
Frank left little of value in his will, but individual gifts were given to his loved ones — Pat received a picture of their wedding signed the "happiest day of my life". Following the funeral, Frank's ashes were scattered in Albert Square's flowerbeds.
On 10 October 2008, Pat decided to order a commemorative plaque
to dedicate to Frank referring to his catchphrase "pilchard" (a term frequently used to insult Ricky). She invited Peggy for a low key ceremony, but her fiancée Archie Mitchell
forced her to stay at The Queen Vic, much to the annoyance of Pat who wanted her there. Only son Ricky, grandson Liam, former daughter in-law Bianca, her fiancée Tony King
and her children Tiffany Dean
and Morgan Jackson-King attended the low key ceremony.
In November 2011, Phil starts to receive photographs of the homeless man who died when he torched the car lot. Phil initially believes Janine is sending the photos, having discovered about his torching the car Lot. After it is proven that Janine did not send the photos, Janine demands an explanation as to why Pat and Frank had not told her about it, and Pat explains to Janine that Frank had a nervous breakdown
with guilt of killing the homeless man, and he was in no fit state to tell her anything. Janine and Pat argue but eventually agree to let the past lie and make a fresh start in their friendship. Phil is unnerved when another photograph is posted through his letterbox, but the sender is yet unknown.
, who 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 was proved, as Frank became one of the show's most popular and iconic characters. 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 Richie
and Les Dennis
, among others.
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 proved popular with the audience. Their wedding in 1989 is deemed as one of the year's 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. 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. Some 11.9 million viewers tuned in to see Frank and Pat finally tie the knot.
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 sink 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. 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. Almost 17 million viewers tuned in to see Frank reunited with Pat on Christmas day 1995. 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 May 1998 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. 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."
Upon his return, Frank was once again pivotal to many explosive storylines including the accidental death of Tiffany Mitchell
, a marriage to Peggy and a battle to regain control of The Queen Vic from Dan Sullivan. However in 2000, Reid began to go through some poor health. After suffering with nervous exhaustion, which he attributed to EastEnders grueling 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. 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. Reid allegedly quit in protest, although the BBC have since denied this. Reid was persuaded by producer John Yorke to remain in the role for a further six months in order to facilitate one further explosive storyline. 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.
Since this time, Frank 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. One critic commented "Everything that's wrong with EastEnders - dodgy geezers, continuity errors, duff acting, everyone talking at cross purposes - packed into a black cab and bundled off to the seaside, where Frank Butcher is now running a car lot and lap-dancing club...it was a full four minutes 23 seconds before Perfectly Frank had exhausted all spin-off and acting potential from Frank Butcher. In other words, four minutes 23 seconds before Mike Reid had squeezed the bridge of his nose, wobbled his head a bit and said: 'Heeeeeey.' In Perfectly Frank's favour, they did at least try to make it funny. But EastEnders does observational comedy like bears in a Romanian zoo do the rumba - clumsily and only when someone (possibly Louise Berridge) holds a cattle prod to their goolies." Despite rumours that the concept was being groomed as a potential spin-off series, this did not materialise.
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 allegedly turned down subsequent offers of a return.
The death of Mike Reid in July 2007, given his identification with the role, made the future return of the character unlikely. Executive producer, Diederick Santer
, announced in November 2007 that the character would die off-screen; this would ultimately happen at the end of March 2008, when it was revealed that Frank had succumbed to throat cancer
. On-screen, Frank was brought back to Walford to be cremated and was given a send-off in a special week of episodes, dubbed Frank week, which saw former his wives Peggy and Pat igniting their old feud. Throughout the episode of his funeral on 1 April, old clips of Frank's time in the serial were played as flashbacks, including Frank and Pat's wedding from 1989 and Frank naked in a revolving bow-tie from 2000. Franks's children Ricky
(Sid Owen), Diane
(Sophie Lawrence
) and Janine (Charlie Brooks
) returned especially for the funeral episodes.
In a Radio Times
poll of over 5,000 people in 2004, 13% chose Frank Butcher as the soap character they were most happy to see return. He came third in the poll, behind EastEnders Den Watts
(32%) and Sharon Watts
(21%). 12% of viewers disagreed, as Frank also polled fourth place when viewers were asked "which soap character was it a bad idea to bring back?", coming behind Coronation Street
's Bet Lynch
(28%), EastEnders Den Watts (28%), and Coronation Street's Liz McDonald
(14%).
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. 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
.
There is also an audio track mixed to Eminem
's hit "My Name Is" where various soundbites of Butcher are used to create a catchy two minute song.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
, played by the late Mike Reid
Mike Reid (entertainer)
Michael Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter from Hackney in east London, who is best remembered for playing the role of Frank Butcher in EastEnders and hosting the popular children's TV show Runaround...
. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long hiatus from EastEnders in 1994. Frank returned as a recurring character from December 1995 to January 1998, and eventually became a regular once again from May 1998 to November 2000, when Reid quit. Frank made three brief reappearances after that, the final one in December 2005. Given the widespread identification of Mike Reid as Frank, Reid's death in July 2007 led to BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
bosses deciding that it would not be possible for the character to return in the future. In November 2007, it was announced that the character would die off-screen and in April 2008 his funeral was screened as part of a special set of episodes, dubbed Frank week.
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 he tended to scarper instead of facing up to his responsibilities, 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.
Storylines
Frank started out as a used car-salesman. He met Pat Harris at ButlinsButlins
Butlins is a chain of large holiday camps in the United Kingdom. Butlins was founded by Billy Butlin to provide affordable holidays for ordinary British families....
in Clacton in 1958 and despite being on holiday with his girlfriend, June, he was attracted to Pat. They had an affair but June got pregnant, so he married her and broke Pat's heart. Frank and Pat met up from time to time, and on each occasion, the affair was rekindled. Frank wouldn't leave June, however, and Pat eventually married and had children of her own.
Frank and June had four children, Clare, Ricky
Ricky Butcher
Richard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
, Diane
Diane Butcher
Diane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997...
and Janine. However, June died of cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
in 1987, leaving Frank bereft and his children motherless. In September 1987, Frank got in touch with Pat again. They met briefly in Greenwich
Greenwich
Greenwich is a district of south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich.Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time...
and Frank told her that June had died. He wanted to reignite their romance and asked 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.
Frank came looking for Pat again in January 1988. Pat was still resistant but when Frank appeared again in March, he finally convinced her to make another go of things and suggested that they take over tenancy at The Queen Vic since Den
Den Watts
Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den"....
and Angie Watts
Angie Watts
Angela "Angie" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anita Dobson from the first episode of the show until 1988 when the actress decided to quit and the character was written out....
were considering moving on. In order to be granted the lease, Frank and Pat bribed the brewery manager, Reg Sparrow. After successfully winning tenancy, Frank and his children, Ricky and Diane, moved into the Vic whilst Janine was left in the care of her sister, Clare. The Butchers also inherited a dog from Den, Roly
Roly
Roly is a fictional dog from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Roly was an apricot coloured Standard Poodle, who appeared in the first episode of the programme and remained in the show until 1993.-Storylines:...
the poodle
Poodle
The Poodle is a breed of dog. The poodle breed is found officially in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, with many coat colors. Originally bred as a type of water dog, the poodle is highly intelligent and skillful in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, tracking, and even herding...
. By the end of the year, Frank's domineering mother, Mo
Mo Butcher
Maureen "Mo" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edna Doré between 1988 and 1990. She was introduced as the matriarch figure of the Butcher family, Frank Butcher's elderly mother. She was portrayed as a battle-axe, tough and interfering...
, joined them in the Square and attempted to run her son's life.
In March 1989, Frank went 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 second-hand cars. He named the business Frank's Autos.
Frank and Pat soon began talking about 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 had a massive street party for their reception. It was a brief moment of happiness however, as within a month, Frank and Pat were joined by Frank's youngest child, 5-year-old Janine
Janine Evans
Janine Butcher is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, currently portrayed by Charlie Brooks. Rebecca Michael originally portrayed the character from 1989 until 1993, when the role was given to Alexia Demetriou for three years. Brooks took on the role in 1999...
. She was the child from hell - a bed-wetter, thief, sleepwalker, compulsive liar and self-harmer, and she hated Pat. Frank's response to Janine'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 ran the car-lot. Pat's son, Simon
Simon Wicks
Simon "Wicksy" Wicks is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nick Berry between 1985 and 1990. Wicksy was introduced to take on some of the more adult storylines that had been scripted for another character, Mark Fowler; Mark's actor David Scarboro had left...
, managed the Vic with his girlfriend Sharon Watts until 1990 when Eddie Royle
Eddie Royle
Edward "Eddie" Royle is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michael Melia from 1990 until 1991.-Storylines:...
was given tenancy.
Frank suffered a number 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
Leeds
Leeds is a city and metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire, England. In 2001 Leeds' main urban subdivision had a population of 443,247, while the entire city has a population of 798,800 , making it the 30th-most populous city in the European Union.Leeds is the cultural, financial and commercial...
, searching for her, thinking that she had followed her ex-boyfriend, Paul Priestly
Paul Priestly
Paul Priestly is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by Mark Thrippleton.Paul, a builder, came to London with a building firm he worked for, then decided to go it alone. He found work around the Square — the money wasn't great but there were benefits — for instance,...
. He was wrong and when a young girl's body was found, Frank feared the worst, although it wasn't Diane. Three months later, Diane contacted Frank and he brought her home. Later that year, Frank was devastated to realise that his mother was suffering severe dementia
Dementia
Dementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging...
. After accidentally starting a fire in her flat, Mo was forced to join the Butchers' 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 rather die 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. However, he couldn't go through with it and instead sent Mo to live with his sister, Joan, in Colchester
Colchester
Colchester is an historic town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in Essex, England.At the time of the census in 2001, it had a population of 104,390. However, the population is rapidly increasing, and has been named as one of Britain's fastest growing towns. As the...
. Mo subsequently died in 1992.
In 1991, Frank became part owner of the Bridge Street café with Kathy Beale and Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
. The Butchers were happy for a while but that changed in 1992. The year began with a huge tax demand, swiftly followed by a large VAT
Vat
Vat or VAT may refer to:* A type of container such as a barrel, storage tank, or tub, often constructed of welded sheet stainless steel, and used for holding, storing, and processing liquids such as milk, wine, and beer...
bill. This forced them to sell the B&B and the adjoining house, and move into a small flat. Pat tried turning things around by starting her own cab firm, PatCabs, which started making them some real money. However, disaster struck on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
that year, when Pat, whilst doing a run for a regular customer, ran over a teenage girl and left her seriously injured. Pat went to enquire about the girl in hospital on New Year's Eve, only to find out that she had died. On the same day, Frank also received the news of his mother's death.
Pat appeared in court in May 1993 and was sentenced to six months in prison. Those months were hard for Frank and Ricky, who tried to carry on as normal and when Pat returned, the family struggled to make a new start. Realising that the flat at Number 43 was too small, Frank arranged to buy the house next door, Number 41, and Frank, Pat, Ricky and Janine moved in. The Butchers tried resurrecting PatCabs (renamed F and P Cabs), but struggled to survive when faced with the dirty tactics of a rival cab firm. Frank was eventually admitted defeat and wound the business up. After selling his share of the café to Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, Frank was left with only the car lot from his former business empire. However, even that was suffering in the recession
Recession
In economics, a recession is a business cycle contraction, a general slowdown in economic activity. During recessions, many macroeconomic indicators vary in a similar way...
and the Butchers ended the year in financial ruin.
In desperation to resolve his financial problems, Frank arranged with Phil to torch the car-lot so he could claim the insurance in March 1994. The car-lot caught fire as agreed but, unknown to Phil and Frank, a homeless man was sleeping in one of the motors, and burnt to death. Frank went to pieces and was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a legal term for the killing of a human being, in a manner considered by law as less culpable than murder. The distinction between murder and manslaughter is said to have first been made by the Ancient Athenian lawmaker Dracon in the 7th century BC.The law generally differentiates...
, but later released due to lack of evidence. However, doubt remained as to whether he had conspired to defraud his insurance company and an investigation took place. Frank tried covering his tracks by claiming that the accounts had gone up in flames but Pat gave the books to the investigating agent. The pressure became too much for Frank, who was suffering 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 left Walford and his family without warning in April 1994.
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 told her that Frank was alive, having merely run away, and so Pat began getting on with her life. Ricky, and Pat's newly returned son, David Wicks
David Wicks
David Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michael French. He originally appeared between 1993 to 1996...
, teamed up to reopen the car-lot under the new name, Deals on Wheels.
Pat began a romance with another car-dealer Roy Evans
Roy Evans (EastEnders)
Roy Edmund Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Caunter. Introduced by Series Producer Barbara Emile in 1994, Roy was scripted as a love interest for Pat Butcher...
in 1995 and by November, they were living together. However, soon after Pat received a letter from a psychiatric hospital in Bristol
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
. The letter brought news that Frank had suffered a breakdown and had been admitted to hospital but he had recovered and wanted to reunite with his family. After a day of contemplation, Pat decided to ignore his plea, and tore up the letter.
However, on Christmas day 1995, Frank surprised Pat and the children by arriving with an arm full of gifts. Frank wanted to reconcile with Pat, but she wasn't willing to forgive him for abandoning her and leaving her penniless. Frank desperately tried to change her mind, but became furious to discover that Pat had shacked up with Roy. After many abusive comments aimed at Roy, Frank departed. Ricky tracked him down to a nearby B&B after which Frank broke down in tears about the pitiful state his life was in. Ricky brought Frank back to Walford for one more attempt at winning Pat back but she wanted a divorce. Hearing this, Frank disappeared again, but left Ricky a note promising that he would be back.
His promise of a return ruffled a few feathers on the Square. David worried that Frank would try to reclaim the car-lot and Phil worried that Frank would implicate him in the 1994 car lot arson. Frank returned in mid-January and immediately played up upon his enemies' fears. He blackmailed Phil into putting him up - Phil allowed him to stay at the Vic and gave him work behind the bar. Frank made his intentions clear. He wanted his house, his business and his children back and wasn't leaving until he got them. David contacted his lawyers and was relieved to discover that Frank had no claim on the car-lot as the owners of the lease (Ricky, Roy and himself) were the only ones entitled to the business. However, Ricky gave his share to his father and Frank shocked David by turning up for work the next day. A multitude of arguments followed as both tried stamping their authority on the business. Frank then decided to sell Pat's house. Although she had paid off the mortgage, the house was still in Frank's name and she had no claim on it. Roy tried scaring 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.
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 regretted her actions the next day but Frank was thrilled and took great pleasure in telling Roy. Furious, Roy threatened to leave Pat and in order to stop him, she claimed Frank was lying. She then finally convinced Frank that she didn't love him and begged him to leave. Defeated, Frank decided to move on. He signed the house over to Pat and bid her farewell, leaving Walford in March 1996, once again abandoning his children.
Unaware that he had already departed, Roy's son Barry
Barry Evans (EastEnders)
Barry Evans is a fictional character played by Shaun Williamson. He appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1994 and 2004. The character was portrayed as a "buffoon." Williamson controversially left the serial after ten years in 2003 after executive producer Louise Berridge refused to...
decided to take matters into his own hands. He hired a man to torch the car-lot a second time hoping Frank would disappear in fear. Unknown to him, Phil was in the Portakabin office, waiting for Frank and almost died but was saved by Ricky. 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 but his confession was rejected because he couldn't provide details about how the fire was started.
Frank moved to Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, where he set up a new second-hand car business. Janine joined him in April 1996 and soon after Frank and Pat divorced. Later that year, Frank had a son, Danny, with a younger woman.
After being absent for over a year, Frank returned briefly in April 1997, when he returned for his son's wedding to Bianca Jackson
Bianca Jackson
Bianca Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character...
. He watched tearfully at the back of the church, before slipping away quietly without fuss. He returned again in December to console his son, whose unborn baby was diagnosed with spina bifida
Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube. Some vertebrae overlying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open. If the opening is large enough, this allows a portion of the spinal cord to protrude through...
and aborted
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
. Frank's arrival was once again met with displeasure from Roy, who had fallen on hard times and didn't trust him around Pat, even though Frank bailed him out with the bailiffs.
Frank returned to Manchester for several months, but was back by May 1998, and became attracted to the landlady of the Vic, Peggy Mitchell
Peggy Mitchell
Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
. After he saved her from a pair of thugs — who were looking for her shady ex, George Palmer
George Palmer (EastEnders)
George Palmer is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Moriarty. He appeared between 1996 and 1998, but was one of many characters axed by then Executive Producer Matthew Robinson.-Storylines:...
, Peggy repaid the favour by taking him out to dinner and a flirtatious friendship began to blossom. Frank moved back to Walford in June, 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 went into partnership with him to spite George. However, George had no intention of selling the business and upped the price 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.
Peggy was extremely keen for the relationship to progress and despite opposition from her sons, Phil
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
and Grant
Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)
Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
, she soon asked Frank to move in with her at the Vic. Frank was uncertain but by October, he had asked Peggy to marry him. Meanwhile, Roy was jealous about Frank's presence. His business was failing and he thought Pat had feelings for her ex-husband, as she was extremely jealous about Frank's new found love. Things were not helped when Pat turned to Frank, following an argument with Roy, and spent the night at his, only to be seen leaving his flat the next morning by Barry Evans. Barry jumped to conclusions and informed Roy and Peggy that Frank and Pat were having an 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
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
bid. Frank went after Roy and made 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.
However, the end of the year brought tragedy for Frank, when whilst driving home for the New Years Eve celebrations, he accidentally ran over Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Dawn Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Martine McCutcheon from 1995 until 1998. The character was created by the writer, Tony Jordan...
(Martine McCutcheon
Martine McCutcheon
Martine McCutcheon is an English singer, television personality and Laurence Olivier Award-winning actress. McCutcheon had minor success as one third of the pop group Milan in the early 1990s; however, it was her role as Tiffany Mitchell in BBC's EastEnders that made her a household name in the UK...
), who was arguing with her husband Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell may refer to:*Grant Mitchell , character actor of the 1930s and 1940s, appeared in Conflict*Grant Mitchell , fictional character on British soap opera EastEnders...
(Ross Kemp
Ross Kemp
Ross James Kemp is a BAFTA award-winning British actor, author and journalist, who rose to prominence in the role of Grant Mitchell in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders...
) in the middle of the road. Frank didn't see Tiffany until it was too late and she hit her head on the pavement, killing her outright. Although Grant was to blame for Tiffany frantically running into the road, 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.
Frank moved into the Vic, but their relationship hit a setback when Peggy was told that her breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
had returned and she was advised to have a mastectomy
Mastectomy
Mastectomy is the medical term for the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. Mastectomy is usually done to treat breast cancer; in some cases, women and some men believed to be at high risk of breast cancer have the operation prophylactically, that is, to prevent cancer...
. Frank, with typical selfishness, admitted to Roy his fears that he would not find Peggy attractive once her breast had been removed and failed to be supportive initially. Nevertheless, their wedding arrangements went ahead as planned. However, on their wedding day in April 1999, Peggy began having 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 then ran the pub together.
Peggy became disillusioned with Walford later in the year and after much prompting from Frank, decided to sell the pub and emigrate to Spain. However, Phil 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 they could no longer afford to emigrate. Peggy, Frank and Dan fought each other over the running of the pub, and were often involved in games of one-upmanship
One-upmanship
One-upmanship is the art or practice of successively outdoing a competitor.The term originated as the title of a book by Stephen Potter, published in 1952 as a follow-up to The Theory and Practice of Gamesmanship and Lifemanship titles in his series of tongue-in-cheek self-help books, and film ...
, which only increased animosity and made their working life unbearable. However, Dan made a grave mistake when he informed the police about Roy selling dodgy motors on his car-lot, which were supplied by Phil. Phil and Peggy patched up their differences and he and Frank set up a card game where Dan was conned into waging his share of the Vic, and the resulting win finally managed to get rid of Dan.
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in England. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding...
that year, but Pat had second thoughts. It was too late however, as Peggy had already got 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. Phil offered to eliminate Frank for Peggy but she kicked him out instead and he left Walford, abandoning Janine in the process. Pat went after him, shouting his name, but he didn't hear her. He drove off, leaving her sobbing in the street, after Roy threw her out. Frank also left Peggy in severe debt and she was forced to sell the Vic to Sharon Watts
Sharon Rickman
Sharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in...
in 2001.
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 expatriate
Expatriate
An expatriate is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person's upbringing...
s 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.
In 2003 a special spin-off
Spin-off (media)
In media, a spin-off is a radio program, television program, video game, or any narrative work, derived from one or more already existing works, that focuses, in particular, in more detail on one aspect of that original work...
episode entitled EastEnders: Perfectly Frank aired, which followed Frank returning from Spain and setting up two businesses in Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
; 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.
Frank returned one final time 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
Crown Court
The Crown Court of England and Wales is, together with the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, one of the constituent parts of the Senior Courts of England and Wales...
. She had gone to give evidence at the trial of his daughter Janine, who was alleged to have murdered Laura Beale
Laura Beale
Laura Ellen Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Hannah Waterman.Laura only ever wanted a happy marriage, but was always made to feel inferior and unattractive by her husband, Ian Beale...
.
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 and that he would love her right up until his last breath and beyond. 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 although it was hinted at that Pat and Frank stayed in contact as Pat was aware of Janines no show after the trial even though she'd departed before the incident had occurred.
On 31 March 2008, more than two years after he was last seen in Walford, it was revealed by Diane and Ricky that Frank had died at Diane's home in France two days earlier of throat cancer. He had apparently been ill for months and couldn't talk by the end, thus being the reason he didn't want Pat to know. His body was brought to Walford to be cremated. Pat and Peggy went through a period of contemplation and grief, bringing to the surface old arguments regarding Frank. Pat was initially upset that she had not been informed of Frank's illness, but she was comforted when she received his special gift, a revolving bow-tie as worn by Frank in his attempt to seduce Pat in 2000, Ricky said it wrapping it himself was one of his last acts.
Frank left little of value in his will, but individual gifts were given to his loved ones — Pat received a picture of their wedding signed the "happiest day of my life". Following the funeral, Frank's ashes were scattered in Albert Square's flowerbeds.
On 10 October 2008, Pat decided to order a commemorative plaque
Commemorative plaque
A commemorative plaque, or simply plaque, is a plate of metal, ceramic, stone, wood, or other material, typically attached to a wall, stone, or other vertical surface, and bearing text in memory of an important figure or event...
to dedicate to Frank referring to his catchphrase "pilchard" (a term frequently used to insult Ricky). She invited Peggy for a low key ceremony, but her fiancée Archie Mitchell
Archie Mitchell
Archibald Lionel "Archie" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Larry Lamb.The character of Archie is the father of already established characters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell , and a member of the Mitchell family, who have appeared in the soap since 1990...
forced her to stay at The Queen Vic, much to the annoyance of Pat who wanted her there. Only son Ricky, grandson Liam, former daughter in-law Bianca, her fiancée Tony King
Tony King
Tony King is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Chris Coghill. He was the partner of established character Bianca Jackson , and a father-figure to her four children...
and her children Tiffany Dean
Tiffany Dean
Tiffany Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Maisie Smith. Tiffany is the daughter of established characters Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher , though originally she was believed to be Bianca's daughter with a man named Nathan Dean...
and Morgan Jackson-King attended the low key ceremony.
In November 2011, Phil starts to receive photographs of the homeless man who died when he torched the car lot. Phil initially believes Janine is sending the photos, having discovered about his torching the car Lot. After it is proven that Janine did not send the photos, Janine demands an explanation as to why Pat and Frank had not told her about it, and Pat explains to Janine that Frank had a nervous breakdown
Nervous breakdown
Mental breakdown is a non-medical term used to describe an acute, time-limited phase of a specific disorder that presents primarily with features of depression or anxiety.-Definition:...
with guilt of killing the homeless man, and he was in no fit state to tell her anything. Janine and Pat argue but eventually agree to let the past lie and make a fresh start in their friendship. Phil is unnerved when another photograph is posted through his letterbox, but the sender is yet unknown.
Character creation and development
The character of Frank was introduced to the series in September 1987, when he met up with former girlfriend Pat Wicks. 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 ReidMike Reid (entertainer)
Michael Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter from Hackney in east London, who is best remembered for playing the role of Frank Butcher in EastEnders and hosting the popular children's TV show Runaround...
, who was already an established comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
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 was proved, as Frank became one of the show's most popular and iconic characters. 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
Barbara Windsor
Barbara Ann Windsor, MBE , better known by her stage name Barbara Windsor, is an English actress. Her best known roles are in the Carry On films and as Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders....
, Bradley Walsh, Shane Richie
Shane Richie
Shane Richie is an English actor, comedian, singer and media personality, known for his portrayal of the character Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.-Early life and career beginnings:...
and Les Dennis
Les Dennis
Les Dennis is an English comedian, television presenter and actor best known as the host of Family Fortunes for 15 years.-Early life:...
, among others.
Following Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson is an English television actress and singer. She gained her highest profile while playing Angie Watts in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders...
's (Angie
Angie Watts
Angela "Angie" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anita Dobson from the first episode of the show until 1988 when the actress decided to quit and the character was written out....
) and Leslie Grantham
Leslie Grantham
Leslie Michael Grantham is an English actor best known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in the soap opera EastEnders. He is also a convicted murderer, having served 10 years for the killing of a German taxi driver, and he generated significant press coverage as the result of an online sex scandal...
's (Den
Den Watts
Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty 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 proved popular with the audience. Their wedding in 1989 is deemed as one of the year's highlights. Penned by new EastEnders writer Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan is a British television writer. He was listed as the number 1 television screen writer in the UK by Broadcast magazine and among British Broadcastings Top 20 in The Stage ., He currently resides in Hertfordshire, UK.For many years, he was lead writer and series consultant for BBC One...
, Frank and Pat celebrated their big day in true East End
East End of London
The East End of London, also known simply as the East End, is the area of London, England, United Kingdom, east of the medieval walled City of London and north of the River Thames. Although not defined by universally accepted formal boundaries, the River Lea can be considered another boundary...
style with a street party organised by Frank's mother, Mo
Mo Butcher
Maureen "Mo" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edna Doré between 1988 and 1990. She was introduced as the matriarch figure of the Butcher family, Frank Butcher's elderly mother. She was portrayed as a battle-axe, tough and interfering...
. Although planned for a summer's day, the lot material filmed on Albert Square
Albert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
was recorded in the middle of gale
Gale
A gale is a very strong wind. There are conflicting definitions of how strong a wind must be to be considered a gale. The U.S. government's National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots of sustained surface winds. Forecasters typically issue gale warnings when winds of this strength are...
-force winds. 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. Some 11.9 million viewers tuned in to see Frank and Pat finally tie the knot.
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 sink into deep depression
Clinical depression
Major depressive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and by loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities...
. 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. 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. Almost 17 million viewers tuned in to see Frank reunited with Pat on Christmas day 1995. 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 May 1998 he made a full-time return, this time as a love interest to landlady Peggy Mitchell
Peggy Mitchell
Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
. 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
Roy Evans (EastEnders)
Roy Edmund Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Caunter. Introduced by Series Producer Barbara Emile in 1994, Roy was scripted as a love interest for Pat Butcher...
was deliberately made impotent in the series, so Pat would not be sexually unfaithful to Frank. In an interview Pam St. Clement
Pam St. Clement
Pamela Ann Clement , known by the stage name Pam St. Clement, is an English actress. She has played Pat Evans in the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 1986, and is now one of the programme's longest-serving cast members. St. Clement announced her intention to leave EastEnders on 8 July 2011 and will...
, 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."
Upon his return, Frank was once again pivotal to many explosive storylines including the accidental death of Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Dawn Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Martine McCutcheon from 1995 until 1998. The character was created by the writer, Tony Jordan...
, a marriage to Peggy and a battle to regain control of The Queen Vic from Dan Sullivan. However in 2000, Reid began to go through some poor health. After suffering with nervous exhaustion, which he attributed to EastEnders grueling 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
Sid Owen
Sid Owen is an English actor, television presenter and former singer, most famous for playing the role of Ricky Butcher in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, which he appeared in from 1988 until 2000, 2002 until 2004 and then again from March 2008.-Career:Prior to his role in EastEnders he had a...
who played Reid's on-screen son Ricky
Ricky Butcher
Richard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
. 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
Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden is an English actor, known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he has played since1990.-Early life:...
, who plays Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, had to stand in for the episode; resulting in a slightly less plausible plotline. 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. Reid allegedly quit in protest, although the BBC have since denied this. Reid was persuaded by producer John Yorke to remain in the role for a further six months in order to facilitate one further explosive storyline. 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
Guy Fawkes Night
Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Day, Bonfire Night and Firework Night, is an annual commemoration observed on 5 November, primarily in England. Its history begins with the events of 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding...
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.
Since this time, Frank 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
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
and brought in an entirely new set of characters unrelated to those in Albert Square. The soap bubble was written by Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan
Tony Jordan is a British television writer. He was listed as the number 1 television screen writer in the UK by Broadcast magazine and among British Broadcastings Top 20 in The Stage ., He currently resides in Hertfordshire, UK.For many years, he was lead writer and series consultant for BBC One...
, directed by Clive Arnold
Clive Arnold
Clive Arnold is a British television director, known for his work on the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.-Career:Arnold began in showbusiness as an actor, working for six or seven years for the BBC. During this time he realised his talents may lie in working behind the camera, so joined the BBC as a...
and aired in 2003. The project was relatively unsuccessful and was only watched by 3.8 million viewers. One critic commented "Everything that's wrong with EastEnders - dodgy geezers, continuity errors, duff acting, everyone talking at cross purposes - packed into a black cab and bundled off to the seaside, where Frank Butcher is now running a car lot and lap-dancing club...it was a full four minutes 23 seconds before Perfectly Frank had exhausted all spin-off and acting potential from Frank Butcher. In other words, four minutes 23 seconds before Mike Reid had squeezed the bridge of his nose, wobbled his head a bit and said: 'Heeeeeey.' In Perfectly Frank's favour, they did at least try to make it funny. But EastEnders does observational comedy like bears in a Romanian zoo do the rumba - clumsily and only when someone (possibly Louise Berridge) holds a cattle prod to their goolies." Despite rumours that the concept was being groomed as a potential spin-off series, this did not materialise.
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
The Paul O'Grady Show
The Paul O'Grady Show was a BAFTA award-winning British comedy chat show hosted by Birkenhead-born comedian Paul O'Grady. The format was originally devised by Granada Television and was broadcast on ITV before moving to Channel 4...
that this was to be the final time viewers would see Frank, as the storyline gave ultimate closure to his relationship with Pat. Reid allegedly turned down subsequent offers of a return.
The death of Mike Reid in July 2007, given his identification with the role, made the future return of the character unlikely. Executive producer, Diederick Santer
Diederick Santer
Diederick Santer is a British television producer and is best known for his work on the popular BBC television soap opera EastEnders, a post which he assumed on 23 October 2006 and left on 1 March 2010...
, announced in November 2007 that the character would die off-screen; this would ultimately happen at the end of March 2008, when it was revealed that Frank had succumbed to throat cancer
Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer refers to a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, oral cavity , nasal cavity , paranasal sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas , originating from the mucosal lining...
. On-screen, Frank was brought back to Walford to be cremated and was given a send-off in a special week of episodes, dubbed Frank week, which saw former his wives Peggy and Pat igniting their old feud. Throughout the episode of his funeral on 1 April, old clips of Frank's time in the serial were played as flashbacks, including Frank and Pat's wedding from 1989 and Frank naked in a revolving bow-tie from 2000. Franks's children Ricky
Ricky Butcher
Richard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
(Sid Owen), Diane
Diane Butcher
Diane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997...
(Sophie Lawrence
Sophie Lawrence
Sophie Lawrence is an English actress, best known for playing the role of Diane Butcher in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders....
) and Janine (Charlie Brooks
Charlie Brooks
Charlene "Charlie" Brooks is a Welsh actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Acting career:...
) returned especially for the funeral episodes.
Reception
Frank remains one of EastEnders best-loved characters and many associate him with a 'golden era of the square'. Following Mike Reid's death in 2007, BBC series controller, John Yorke, commented "Frank Butcher was one of a select group of truly great EastEnders' characters and the skill with which Mike Reid played him made him one of the most popular and well-loved of all.In a Radio Times
Radio Times
Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title...
poll of over 5,000 people in 2004, 13% chose Frank Butcher as the soap character they were most happy to see return. He came third in the poll, behind EastEnders Den Watts
Den Watts
Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den"....
(32%) and Sharon Watts
Sharon Rickman
Sharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in...
(21%). 12% of viewers disagreed, as Frank also polled fourth place when viewers were asked "which soap character was it a bad idea to bring back?", coming behind Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
's Bet Lynch
Bet Lynch
Elizabeth Theresa "Bet" Lynch is a fictional character from the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character is no longer part of current storylines. Portrayed by actress Julie Goodyear the character first appears onscreen during the episode airing on 23 May 1966. The character...
(28%), EastEnders Den Watts (28%), and Coronation Street's Liz McDonald
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth "Liz" Jayne McDonald is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Beverley Callard, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 27 October 1989 and remained on the series until Callard opted to leave in 1998...
(14%).
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
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
poll in 2002. In addition, Frank is fondly remembered for his unique style of cockney
Cockney
The term Cockney has both geographical and linguistic associations. Geographically and culturally, it often refers to working class Londoners, particularly those in the East End...
slang
Slang
Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's language or dialect but are considered more acceptable when used socially. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo...
. 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
Punch (strike)
A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is the most commonly used attack in hand to hand combat. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably boxing where it is the only type of technique allowed...
.
In popular culture
In the 1990s, Mike Reid starred in an advert for the then new 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.There is also an audio track mixed to Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
's hit "My Name Is" where various soundbites of Butcher are used to create a catchy two minute song.