Anthony Trueman Returns to the Square After 11 Years
When EastEnders fans hear the name Anthony Trueman, memories of tangled love stories and tense family drama come rushing back. Now, Nicholas Bailey steps into Dr. Anthony Trueman’s shoes once again after more than a decade away from Albert Square. This time, he's not returning for trouble—he’s coming to celebrate the wedding of his father, Patrick Trueman, to Yolande Duke. Anthony’s reappearance is set to stir up emotions for characters and viewers alike, especially given his complicated history and long absence from on-screen action.
You don’t see a character like Anthony just popping in without cause. He played a huge role in EastEnders from his debut in 2000, navigating messy breakups, love triangles, and a famously complicated dynamic with Patrick, his stoic but caring father. While Anthony left the Square in 2005, he made some short visits, most notably in 2014. Off-screen, fans learned he stepped in during the 2020 pandemic to help care for Patrick, which helped bring the pair closer than ever. But this is his first big on-screen return in nearly 11 years—and the occasion is a joyous one.
Old Ties and New Beginnings: Family, Love, and Drama
Longtime viewers will remember Anthony’s love life wasn’t exactly smooth. His brief but memorable romance with Kat Slater had everyone talking—and let’s not even start on the reveal that Kat’s daughter, Zoe, was actually Anthony’s half-sister. That whole storyline left scars on the family, but it also built some of the strongest drama in the show’s history. So, it’s fitting that Anthony’s return will collide with Zoe’s recent comeback after a two-decade gap. The timing feels almost destined, promising extra sparks at Patrick and Yolande’s big day.
On a personal note, actor Nicholas Bailey says coming back to film was emotional, especially reuniting with Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick. Their on-screen father-son relationship meant a lot to both men. Bailey has spoken about how this collaboration shaped his own career, and filming together again was a full-circle moment. For Patrick, Anthony’s presence at the wedding is a big deal. The pair used to butt heads, especially with Patrick’s old-fashioned views keeping him distant. Their reconciliation during the pandemic brought them closer, and now fans will get to see how their bond has really changed after everything they’ve faced—both on and off the screen.
Viewers can expect more than just a token wedding guest appearance. With filming underway and episodes set to air later this summer, Anthony’s re-entry will pick up old threads and weave in fresh drama. The show is clearly gearing up for heartfelt family moments mixed with the kind of soap twists that make EastEnders a staple. The upcoming scenes will put the spotlight back on family connections, old secrets, and the enduring power of homecomings, all centered around the EastEnders family that keeps fans tuning in year after year.