EastEnders has just dropped the bombshell that a Walford icon will be making a grand return after a quarter of a century since their first appearance.

Nicholas Bailey, who first graced our screens as Anthony Truman in 2000, is set to make a dramatic return to the BBC One soap. Anthony, son of Patrick Trueman (played by Rudolph Walker), originally left Albert Square in 2005 and briefly returned in 2014.

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This summer, viewers can expect an emotional reunion as Anthony comes back to Walford to witness his father Patrick tie the knot with Yolande (portrayed by Angela Wynter).

Ben Wadey, EastEnders’ Executive Producer, expressed excitement about Nicholas’s return: “It’s great to welcome Nicholas back to the EastEnders family to reunite Patrick with his son.”

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The character made his debut in 2000

Wadey also teased: “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.”, reports Plymouth Live.

Nicholas Bailey shared his enthusiasm about reprising his role: “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.”

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Anthony is heading back

Bailey further commented on his character’s development: “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.”

Anthony was a popular figure on the soap during his early 2000s stint as the square’s charming doctor. His character had a romantic liaison with soap legend Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).

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He had a former fling with Kat Slater

Following their split, he began dating her teenage daughter Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) – who has also recently made a comeback.

However, his relationship with Zoe crumbled when he realised he still harboured feelings for Kat. He and Kat briefly rekindled their romance, but Kat wasn’t cut out to be a doctor’s wife, leading to heartbreak.

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Anthony bid farewell to the square in 2005, only to return in 2014, rushing to his father’s side after Patrick suffered a stroke.