EastEnders’ Nicholas Bailey speaks out after surprise Anthony Trueman return
Anthony Trueman made a surprise return on EastEnders last night as the latest whodunnit was seemingly resolved. The character may not have risen from the dead, but actor Nicholas Bailey was certainly glad to be back.
Anthony, who had returned to Walford earlier this year after an absence of 11 years, was surprisingly killed off over the festive season when he was murdered on Christmas Day at The Vic, with Zoe Slater being the prime suspect.
After weeks of mystery and intrigue, it was revealed on Thursday (15 January) that Jasmine Fisher – Anthony’s daughter with Zoe – was the culprit. As she visited her late father at the chapel of rest, she told him to “rot in hell” for what he had put Zoe through.
As part of the dramatic episode, Bailey reprised his role as Anthony for one final time as the character’s body lay in rest, and the BBC soap has now paid tribute to the actor with a touching behind-the-scenes video on its social media channels.
In the clip, which was shared on Instagram, Bailey is given a bouquet of flowers and a round of applause as he completes his final scene, with the actor saying: “So that’s it for Anthony – the final curtain has dropped on [the character] I’ve played for 25 years.”
“I want to shout out to the fans. Thank you for everything, for all your support, opportunities and abundance this has brought me,” he continued, with the star also reserving praise for the “wonderful people” in the crew and the “tremendous actors”.
“Thank you to everybody who has made this happen. It’s been such an honour and privilege to work here. Wherever I go in the world, this will always be home. So you take care and keep watching,” he concluded.
“Since arriving all the way back in 2000, Anthony Trueman has certainly stirred up some chaos!” read the caption on the post. “Today we’re saying goodbye to both Anthony and the wonderful Nicholas Bailey, we will miss you hugely.”
The comment section was flooded by messages from fans of the soap, with one writing: “Fair play to Nicholas coming back and having to play Anthony in a completely new way to how I remember him.”
“I was pleased they brought him back at the same time as Michelle [Ryan]. Shame it was going to end how it did, but bravo!” they continued, while another fan wrote: “You’ve been an absolute joy to watch, such a phenomenal actor.”