EastEnders fans overjoyed as Walford LEGEND makes long-awaited return

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders
An Albert Square legend returned to EastEnders after months away. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders fans were thrilled to see the legendary Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) make his highly-anticipated return after months away.

Patrick left the Square in March to reunite with his ex-wife Yolande (Angela Wynter), but during last night's episode (Tuesday, July 4), Patrick's return couldn't have come at a more suitable time with Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) being sent to prison and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having marriage problems with her husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).

Patrick returned as Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) was on the phone with Kim's solicitor after she was sent to prison for contempt of court. He questioned Howie on where Kim was and he reluctantly prepared to tell Patrick the bad news.

Later on, Patrick interrupted Denise and Jack as she suggested that they should think about getting a divorce. But while they were excited to reunite with Patrick, there was still hostility between the couple as Jack left the house.

Patrick Trueman and Howie Danes.

Walford legend Patrick Trueman made his highly-anticipated return. (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Patrick soon picked up on the tension as Denise confessed about having an affair with Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

Later on, Patrick showed up at the Vic, where he was greeted by landlady Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who was delighted to see him back, and introduced him to her mum Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) once again.

Patrick then had a drink with Jack and gave him some much-needed advice and support about his relationship with Denise as the detective broke down in tears.

After the touching exchange, fans were over the moon to see Patrick make his long-awaited comeback...

Patrick isn't the only Walford favourite making his return to the Square, as his former wife Yolande will be following close behind him.

Having briefly reprised her role in 2017, Yolande is now heading back to Walford to rekindle her romance with Patrick who went searching for her at the start of the year. 

Yolande first arrived on the Square in 2003 as Patrick’s love interest before later becoming his wife. During her five years in Albert Square, drama followed her wherever she went, especially with her ongoing feud with love rival Pat Evans. 

However, when Yolande was offered a job at Minute Mart HQ, she couldn't turn down the opportunity and she packed her bags and left the Square, leaving Patrick behind. The pair later divorced in 2009. 

EastEnders continues tonight at 7:30pm on BBC Two.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.