It’s been a busy week for Anthony, who returned to EastEnders for the first time since back in 2014 in August. The character’s actor Nicholas Bailey has been confirmed to be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special.

Helping Nicholas learn the art of dance for the festive special, which airs on Christmas Day and marks Tess Daly and Claudia Winkeman’s final appearance as presenters, is professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. The Russian native is without a partner on this year’s main series.

Nicholas said of him joining Strictly: “‘I’m really excited to be doing this, almost as excited as my wife and daughters are! Hopefully I’ll do them, Albert Square and Luba proud. Bring on the dancefloor.”

The actor, who also appeared in Coronation Street, will be competing against Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt, All Saints Melanie Blatt, Gladiators Jodie Ounsley (aka Fury), Babatunde Aleshe and former Westlife singer Brian McFadden.

Back on EastEnders, Anthony has been in the spotlight this week as he continues to pursue his love of his ex Zoe. Michelle Ryan’s Zoe has been targeted by a stalker for several months as she seeks to find her long-lost son.

On Wednesday (November 26), Zoe went to Anthony’s house after being left furious that no one believes her about Jean Slater potentially being her stalker. The pair were engaged in the 2000s before he cheated on her with her mum Kat Slater.

With Anthony, who previously suggested Zoe was having a breakdown, offering her a glass of wine, it was then revealed to viewers that he had a slideshow of photos of her on his computer as they headed upstairs.

In scenes aired on Thursday night (November 27), Anthony appeared to be the only one thrilled with what happened the night prior as his dad Patrick Trueman and Kat both expressed their dismay of him and Zoe getting together.

After a chat with Kat, Zoe decided that she’s not ready to get into a relationship and later told Anthony in the Queen Vic that getting together was a mistake after he asked her to go out for dinner with him.

Anthony, who is currently married to a mysterious woman named Sophie, was furious with being rejected, only for Kat to tell him that he should be more focused on his own family rather than Zoe.

Ringing Sophie, Anthony could be heard claiming that he wasn’t allowed to see his children. In a stunning cliffhanger, Zoe discovered a Christmas card left for her at The Vic that contained a sinister message.

While it’s unclear who wrote the card, which came with lots of photos of her, it read: “This isn’t over yet.”

After watching the episode, EastEnders fans rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to have their say on why they don’t think Anthony is Zoe’s stalker and that he may just be too upfront with professing his feelings.

@SarahStuart89 said: “I dont think Anthony is Zoes stalker. Its too obvious. Hes acting weird & creepy though & his behaviour towards Zoe is unacceptable. Hes hiding something & his wifes also trying to take his kids away from him. Hes acting OOC. He was never evil. I think hes spiralling. #EastEnders.”

@Reescri wrote: “Why would they make Anthony the stalker, this is ridiculous smh #eastenders.” @Charlotte_K13 posted: “Anthony being Zoes stalker feels far too obvious.I dont think he’s doin all the texts/calls & graffiti, I think he’s just becomin a bit obsessed with her romantically. They have made him creepy with no explanation. Not sure who thr stalker is,but I half suspect Lily #EastEnders.”

@RyanSoapKing25 commented: “Just watched tonight’s #EastEnders. So does tonight’s Duff Duff confirm that Anthony really is Zoe’s stalker or is it just too obvious? He’s coming across as really creepy but I think Sam Mitchell has him over a barrel and that’s why he’s desperate to reunite with Zoe.”@itsamy_xo stated: “ tonight’s episode was just as bland as the rest of the week has been… as for anthony being zoe’s stalker… be serious.”