Nicholas Bailey is making a surprise return to EastEnders, 11 years after his last appearance on the long-running BBC soap.
The 54-year-old actor, best known for playing Dr. Anthony Trueman, originally graced Albert Square from 2000 to 2003, with brief reappearances over the years. Now, he’s stepping back into the role that made him a household name — and this time, it sounds like he’s sticking around longer than expected.
“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,” Bailey said. “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.”
Bailey reunites onscreen with Rudolph Walker, who has played Patrick Trueman, Anthony’s father, since 2001. The return promises to dive deep into their complicated family dynamic — and possibly shake up the Trueman household once again.
“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,” Bailey added.
According to EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey, Anthony’s return was supposed to be brief — but things take a turn.
“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,” Wadey revealed.
This return marks another major casting throwback for EastEnders, following the recent comebacks of fan-favourites Michelle Ryan (Zoe Slater) and Jake Wood (Max Branning). It’s clear the soap is doubling down on nostalgia and long-standing characters to shake things up in Walford.
Bailey has always kept the door open for a return, famously saying in 2018:
“I would go back to EastEnders. The character is there and I never say never to anything… I’d never say no. I would never say I’d never come back. It’s a character that I love to play.”
Looks like EastEnders made the call — and Bailey answered.
