EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson reveals original plan for Barry before iconic death at the hands of Janine Butcher

SHAUN Williamson has revealed the original plan for his beloved EastEnders character - before being killed by Janine Butcher.

The fan-favourite starred in the BBC One soap for 10 years playing paramedic Barry Evans.

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However, the beloved character met his fate exactly 20 years ago when Janine Butcher pushed him off a cliff.

Barry was newly married to the twisted character, played by Charlie Brooks, when she sent him plunging to his death.

And now in a shock revelation, Shaun has revealed Barry was never supposed to die.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the launch of UKTV's streaming service U, the 58-year-old said he wanted to leave Walford for good.

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He explained: "Barry was originally supposed to end Janine on Valentine's Day that year.

"But then I'd decided I wanted to leave after being there for 10 years.

"They [producers] then re-wrote scripts and flipped things around so that I would die instead."

It comes as Shaun revealed he's up for reprising his role for EastEnders' 40th anniversary - albeit as a ghost.

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He told us: "I'd definitely love to go back as a ghost, who knows."

BBC bosses recently announced how Michael French would reprise his role as David Wicks.

The actor - who last played David in 2014 - has signed up for a shock comeback for a brief stint of episodes later this year.

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THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.

EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.

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