Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) is set to make his long-awaited return to EastEnders next week, but his homecoming is not met with universal joy. Patrick's life has been a nightmare since Christmas Day, even before the murder of his son, Anthony (Nicholas Bailey). He discovered that Anthony had sabotaged the search for Zoe Slater's (Michelle Ryan) twins and lied to Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) about their deaths. During a tense Christmas dinner, father and son clashed, and Patrick's harsh words—wishing Anthony had died instead of his other son, Paul (Gary Beadle)—sealed their rift. Anthony later went to the Vic, fought with Zoe, and was killed by his own daughter, Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). Zoe, believing Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) was responsible, took the blame for Jasmine.
Patrick's Struggle with Family
After Zoe was jailed, Jasmine introduced herself to Patrick as his granddaughter, but her volatile nature unnerved him. He became obsessed with an AI recreation of Anthony, especially after the truth came out and Jasmine was held in remand. The trial also brought Anthony's other child, Josh Goodwin (Joshua Vaughan), into Patrick's life, and after initial doubts, Patrick bonded with him.
Return to Walford
Following a character statement at Jasmine's trial that deeply affected Patrick, Kim and Denise Fox (Tameka Empson and Diane Parish) suggested he take time away. Next week, Patrick returns home, greeted warmly by his loved ones, and they head to the Vic for a family drink. There, he encounters Jasmine, and they finally discuss their future. Jasmine is hurt when Patrick admits he doesn't trust her and that rebuilding their relationship will take time and effort.
With Jasmine's temper and self-destructive tendencies, will she heed Patrick's words or destroy their bond for good?
