BBC EastEnders fans divided over major return after two decades as viewers fume ‘need to move on!’
EastEnders has confirmed the return of Doctor Anthony Trueman, who made his exit from Albert Square in 2003.
The return news comes amid a flurry of character comebacks in the BBC soap, with Zoe Slater also back this year.
Over the weekend, soap bosses announced Nicholas Bailey, 54, would reprise his role as classic character Patrick’s (Rudolph Walker) son Anthony, marking another step back towards the early 2000s era of the soap.
Bailey officially left 22 years ago but has made a few brief appearances since, with his last Walford stint more than a decade ago in 2014.
The soap’s new executive producer Ben Wadey stated: “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.”
Actor Bailey said: “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.”
Last month, Michelle Ryan, 41, made a brief teaser comeback as Zoe before her official return comes last this year.
The double return could be significant, as in 2002, Zoe and Anthony were romantically linked, with a love triangle soon following as Anthony became embroiled in a romance with Zoe’s mum, Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).
Expressing their reactions on social media, fans have been left divided over the news of yet another comeback from two decades ago.
One wrote on X: “It seems EE are bringing back the whole Slater/Branning era. I think we need to move on from that.”
Another agreed: “Yea I’m disappointed with all the old characters rerunning.”
On Instagram, a third fumed: “At this rate they’ll bring back Den, Sue’s baby and Dr Legg from the dead. How ridiculous this show is now, just a joke full of actors who cant get any other job.”
However, many were delighted by the announcement and looking forward to seeing where the storylines go.
“Yesssss woohoo now I’m excited,” another X user shared.
“So pleased that Anthony is returning for Patrick and Yolande’s wedding day. I can’t wait for Patrick and Yolande’s wedding scenes they are going to be so beautiful to watch,” someone else penned.
They added: “So happy that they are getting married a 2nd time and it’s great to see Nicholas Bailey back. #EastEnders.”
Applauding Wadey for putting his mark on the show so soon into his role as executive, someone else posted: “New Exec is doing bits!” (sic)