EastEnders excitement as this Walford LEGEND returns to the Square for Christmas

EastEnders logo

After nearly six months away, Patrick Trueman is about to return to our screens...

EastEnders has confirmed that Walford legend Patrick Trueman is heading back to Albert Square just in time for Christmas.

The much-loved character has been away from our screens since lockdown put a halt to filming earlier this year.

Patrick is back from Trinidad in EastEnders

He's back! Patrick returns to Albert Square in time for Christmas (Picture: BBC)

While actor Rudolph Walker has been staying safe at home, his character Patrick has been having a much tougher time during the pandemic.

More: Christmas TV Guide - the best shows to watch and when they're on

It was revealed on screen by Denise Fox that Patrick contracted coronavirus off screen, and that he was seriously ill with the virus.

Patrick then went to Trinidad to recuperate, but he is now back and fighting fit just in time to celebrate Christmas in Walford.

Kim has a trial at The Prince Albert in EastEnders

Kim wastes no time catching up with Patrick after their time apart (Picture: BBC)

The character returns to our screen on Tuesday 15th December, after flying back from Trinidad.

Patrick wastes no time in making himself feel at home and heads straight from the airport to The Vic.

Of course things have changed a little since Patrick was last in Albert Square.

Double surprise for Patrick

Not only is Kim home from Scotland, but Denise now has custody of Raymond, the son she gave up for adoption three years ago.

Denise tells Raymond she is his birth mother in EastEnders

Denise wants a quiet, traditional Christmas for Raymond, but will she get it? (Picture: BBC)

Kim and Patrick waste no time in catching up on lost time over a few drinks in the pub.

However, Denise isn't happy when things get a bit raucous and she tells them she's had enough and wants Raymond to have a nice, traditional family Christmas.

But while Kim and Patrick fail to take Denise seriously, little do they know their Christmas is set to be anything but merry when Denise's serial killer ex returns over the festive season.

Lucas and Denise in EastEnders in 2010

Lucas is heading back to Walford to turn Denise's Christmas upside down (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC)

The sight of Lucas is bound to strike fear into Denise after he held her hostage and faked her death.

But what brings Lucas back into Denise's life after all this time?

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.