AN EastEnders legend is returning to Albert Square after 11 years – following in the footsteps of Zoe Slater and Max Branning.

Nicholas Bailey has reprised his role as Dr. Anthony Trueman – son of soap stalwart Patrick (Rudolph Walker).

Originally featuring from 2000 to 2003, Anthony has occasionally returned over the years.

He had a relationship with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) during his initial stint.

Anthony most recently appeared back in 2014, following his dad Patrick’s stroke.

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, said: “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.”

Addressing his comeback, Nicholas Bailey 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.”

Back in 2018, Nicholas expressed an interest in reprising his EastEnders role.

He told the Sun’s Bizarre column at the time: “I would go back to EastEnders.

“The character is there and I never say never to anything.

“If they had a storyline and they had something for me to do then you never say never.

“The character has been good to me. I’d never say no. I would never say I’d never come back.

“It’s a character that I love to play. They know where the phone is.”

It comes as Zoe Slater recently made her long-awaited return to Albert Square.

Michelle Ryan, 41, reprised her beloved role after two decades away from the soap.

The legendary Max Branning (Jake Wood) is also set for a return in upcoming scenes.

While Max’s son Oscar has also returned to Albert Square, with the role recast to Pierre Mouiller.

EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.