Nicholas Bailey is upset his EastEnders alter-ego Anthony Trueman has been killed off.
The 54-year-old actor first performed Anthony 25 years in the past and was overjoyed when he was requested to return this 12 months after an 11-year absence.
And, whereas Nicholas was unhappy that Anthony was killed off on Christmas Day (25.12.25), he was excited to be concerned in a significant storyline over the festive season.
He informed The Solar: “I used to be unhappy issues had been coming to an finish, however I wished to lean into the joy of this story being a launch pad for some unbelievable stuff heading into 2026.
“I really like EastEnders and I really like seeing the present thrive. So, whereas I’m unhappy to be saying goodbye to Anthony, I’m pleased it means my pals are going to have some unbelievable stuff to play following his loss of life.
“My jaw hit the ground when our producer Ben Wadey informed me the place this was going and what was going to occur.
“However I believe it was a masterstroke as a result of once I look again, Anthony was all the time a bit like a stress cooker, and he let issues construct and construct earlier than the steam escapes. This time he couldn’t maintain the lid on it!
“A Christmas storyline is a large second in cleaning soap, so to get that and a giant Christmas Day exit was an actual honour!
“Clearly, it was bittersweet as a result of it meant I used to be leaving, and I’ve felt actually at dwelling since I got here again to EastEnders.
“However the storyline itself is large, and it gave me way more to do than I anticipated. It’s been nice to return out of my consolation zone and play some spectacular scenes filled with spectacular strains.”
Nicholas was additionally excited to reunite with Michelle Ryan – who performs Zoe Slater – for the dramatic episodes, which function Anthony knocking out Zoe earlier than ending up useless himself.
He stated: “I used to be over the moon to find I’d be working with Michelle Ryan once more. I didn’t know she was coming again once I was provided the job, in order that was terrific as a result of she’s a superb pal and an incredible actor.”
