EastEnders legend set to make shock return to Walford after 11 years - weeks after two other iconic characters confirm their return to screens

Daily Mail​

19-07-2025

EastEnders favourite Nicholas Bailey will make a shock return as Dr. Anthony Trueman to the soap, more than a decade since he was last seen in Walford.
The character – son of Patrick Trueman (played by Rudolph Walker) – will be back on screens in scenes to air in the summer.
Anthony first arrived on the Square in 2000 and quickly made waves, thanks in part to a steamy romance with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace).
Now, 11 years on from his last stint, the GP is set for a dramatic reunion with his dad this summer as Patrick and Yolande prepare to tie the knot.
Anthony last appeared in Eastenders in 2014 when he rushed to his father's side when Patrick suffered a stroke.
Since then, he has led a life away from Walford but in upcoming scenes viewers will see he is invited to his father's impending nuptials and decides to return for the occasion.
In a post on the official Eastenders Instagram account, the long running soap teased the visit to Walford comes at a significant moment for Patrick, which means Anthony stays longer than he originally intended.
In a statement, executive producer Ben Wadey said: '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.'
Nicholas who will reprise the iconic role added: '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.
'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.'
Fans took to the comment section to share their excitement for the new return and penned: 'Bring him back for longer. He was a good actor and good for the show.'
'Fantastic news. I'm loving this new era'
'OMG!!!!!! I can't wait for this he's aged like fine wine'; 'Wow, this is now getting so good'.
MailOnline has contacted Eastenders representatives for comment
The return of Dr. Trueman comes hot on the heels of other major soap comebacks.
Michelle Ryan recently reprised her role as Zoe Slater after two decades away, and Jake Wood is set to return as Max Branning in explosive future scenes.
The British actor, 52, who last appeared on screen in February 2021, said he is 'over the moon to be coming home to Walford'.
He said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy.
'I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos.'
Max is reportedly set to return to the BBC soap in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year.
During his first stint on the soap, Jake became a fan favourite amongst viewers, with his character Max being at the heart of several huge storylines.
The 2007 Christmas Day episode where it was revealed that Max had an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has become known as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.
Michelle, 40, best known for her iconic 'You ain't my mother!' moment, made her first appearance in June, after her return was kept under wraps.
On the return the episode hadn't been released on BBC iPlayer at 6am that morning, meaning all viewers had to tune into the evening broadcast, where Zoe's return was unveiled.