Major EastEnders return confirmed as star reprises role after 11 years

Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) will have plenty of reasons to celebrate in EastEnders as, ahead of his wedding to one true love Yolande (Angela Wynter), his beloved son Anthony (Nicholas Bailey) is set to return.

A mainstay of the BBC soap between 2000 and 2003 – with brief returns in 2004, 2005 and 2014 – Anthony featured in numerous storylines over the years, including his relationship with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).

The former Walford doctor was last seen a little over a decade ago when he staged a short return for one episode following Patrick’s stroke.

But after 11 years, he is set to stage another comeback and, much like his mid-noughties returns, it’s the nuptials of Yolande and Patrick that brings him back to the Square.

His visit to Walford, however, comes at a significant moment for Patrick and it means that his stay is longer than he intended.

Consider us intrigued.

‘It is an unexpected treat to return to EastEnders and I’m full of gratitude to get the opportunity to revisit the character of Anthony,’ said actor Nicholas Bailey on reprising his role.

‘It’s wonderful to work with Rudolph Walker again – he’s such a big part of my journey as an actor and I loved filming my first scenes with him after so long.

‘I’m excited to see what the passage of time has done to Anthony and explore his relationship with Patrick at this stage in their lives.’

EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: ‘It’s great to welcome Nicholas back to the EastEnders family to reunite Patrick with his son.

‘But Anthony’s plan for a brief return to surprise his father ends up with him staying longer than he expected when he uncovers what has been going on in the Trueman household.’

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.