EastEnders' Anthony Trueman's return plot 'sealed' as Patrick faces horror hospital dash

It's set to be a heartbreaking week in EastEnders next week for Patrick Trueman. The legendary character is currently in high spirits as he plans his wedding to Yolande, but things are about to take a tragic turn.

Earlier this month, it was announced his son Anthony Trueman would be back on the Square later this year, as Nicholas Bailey is set to reprise his role 11 years after his last appearance. We last saw the character when his father suffered a stroke in 2014.

Now, it's been confirmed thatPatrick will be rushed to hospitalyet again following a 'deadly attack'. In scenes set to air next week, Patrick fends off Oscar who has broken into his home, unaware he is the culprit. It comes as Oscar Branning is being threatened by thug Mike who he grassed up to the police. As things escalate, Mike returns and demands £5,000 in return for the Branning family’s safety.

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Desperate for a way to find the cash, Oscar initially tries to lure Ian Beale into a business deal to find the extra cash, but Ian refuses.

Left panicking, Oscar decides to break into Patrick's home to steal his bet winnings, however, he's left caught in the act. In an attempt to flee, Oscar abruptly pushes Patrick, who's left unconscious as he falls on the ground. Yolande is inconsolable as she heads home to the horror unfolding, and soon Patrick is rushed to hospital - but will he be ok?

Upon reading the spoilers, one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "This could be the big gateway for Anthony’s return. It all depends on what happens to Patrick say Anthony visits and wants to take his dad away from Walford for example."

When Anthony's return was announced, it was revealed he had received an invite to Patrick and Yolande's upcoming wedding. However, " his visit to Walford comes at a significant moment for Patrick and means that Anthony stays longer than he originally intended…"

Could this be the reason Anthony returns?

Speaking on his return to the Square, Nicholas 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.”

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.”

How will things play out for the Trueman family?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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