EastEnders confirms return story for show icon as secrets come spilling out

Anthony Trueman’s (Nicholas Bailey) return to EastEnders spells the end of Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) next week.

It was confirmed last month that Anthony would be coming back to Albert Square following an 11 year absence, to attend the wedding of dad Patrick (Rudolph Walker) and his former step-mum Yolande (Angela Wynter).

Of course, as we’ve seen, the wedding very nearly didn’t happen.

It all kicked off when Yolande heard that her beloved life partner had been desperately gambling in order to afford a lavish ceremony, and she became concerned that he would spiral into an addiction.

She told him, under no uncertain terms, that the nuptials would be off if he continued.

Luckily for Patrick, Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) stepped in with a solution. He agreed to place the bets on Patrick’s behalf, and that way Yolande wouldn’t have to know.

But this is Walford, and of course she found out. However, as quick as Patrick gained the money, he soon lost it following an altercation with Oscar.

What did Oscar do to Patrick in EastEnders?

Oscar become concerned for the safety of his family, when thuggish former pal Fat Mike (Tai Hilferink) threatened them. He would only stop if he handed over 5k.

Sister Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) discovered his dilemma and returned early from maternity leave to flog a few cars and get an advance on her wages.

Later that night, she paid Mike off.

Of course, Oscar didn’t know that, and broke into the Trueman house to foolishly steal Patrick’s winnings. He was caught in the act, and in a desperate attempt to evade his identity being revealed, pushed the pensioner to the floor.

Howie darted in and noticed Oscar’s ankle tag, later blackmailing him and Lauren for the stolen money.

Lauren refused to allow him to manipulate them, arguing that he had absolutely no evidence that her brother was responsible.

Howie was determined to prove them wrong, and presented them with some evidence – the balaclava and clothes that Oscar was wearing when he committed the burglary.

With nowhere left to turn, Lauren and Oscar handed over the money.

Both Howie and Oscar have been riddled with guilt since, with Oscar attempting to right his wrongs by playing dominoes with Patrick and helping Yolande to carry her shopping home.

How is Oscar caught out?

In upcoming scenes, Anthony jumps out of a taxi in Albert Square and bumps into old face Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).

He’s come a few days before the wedding as a surprise, but is shocked to learn that his dad has been injured.

Later that day, sick to the stomach with what he did, Oscar goes to Patrick and confesses everything. He’s understandably mortified and upset by the confession, and confused as to why he would be targeted.

As his family rush in, he begins to suffer a panic attack and accusations are flown around the room.

When Peter Beale (Thomas Law) finds out, he has serious questions for Lauren and realises that she’s been covering for her brother the whole time.

Meanwhile, back across the road, Anthony insists that Oscar be reported to the police, and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) – torn between his families – asserts that it must be Patrick’s decision.

Lauren makes a desperate attempt to get Howie to sort the situation, dealing her own blackmail by threatening to tell everyone about how he extorted the money for himself.

Later in the week, it seems that Patrick has made his decision as Oscar is brought in for questioning and is convinced that he’s going back to prison.

The East End legend also makes another big choice – not to go ahead with his wedding for the time being.

What has Nicholas Bailey said about his return?

‘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,’Nicholas said on reprising his role.

‘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.’

EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: ‘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.’