Nicholas Bailey to reprise EastEnders role as Anthony Trueman

Nicholas Bailey has reprised his role as Anthony Trueman on EastEnders after 11 years away.

The character – son of Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) – first appeared in Walford from 2000 to 2003, subsequently returning for several guest stints, the most recent of which came in 2014 after his dad suffered a stroke.

Now Anthony will be back in the Square to celebrate Patrick’s marriage to Yolande (Angela Wynter) – although his return “comes at a significant moment for Patrick and means that Anthony stays longer than he originally intended”.

“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 Bailey.

“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.”

The soap’s exec 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.”

Anthony will be back on screen for the first time later this summer.