In an emotional revelation, *EastEnders* star Rudolph Walker has opened up about the backlash he faced over the shocking omission of his character, Patrick Trueman, from the show’s 20th-anniversary commemorative book. Walker, who has portrayed Patrick since 2001, shared the details of the incident in his recently published autobiography, *Walking With Dignity*. The actor’s account highlights the frustration and disappointment he felt upon discovering that his character, a staple of *EastEnders* and one of the first Black families in Walford, was completely overlooked in the celebration of the show’s milestone.

In his memoir, Walker recalls being tipped off by a BBC colleague who informed him about the anniversary book. The colleague seemed visibly upset but refused to give him any details, simply advising Walker to get his hands on a copy of the book as soon as possible. Sensing something was amiss, Walker took her advice and was left shocked and appalled when he discovered that his character, Patrick Trueman, was not mentioned anywhere in the publication.

Walker describes his disbelief as he flipped through the pages of the book, searching for any mention of himself or his character. Despite Patrick’s significant contributions to the show and the fact that Walker had previously accepted awards on behalf of *EastEnders*, his image was missing from the book entirely. Not only that, but his character’s storyline and family had only brief mentions, while others, including newer characters who had not even made their on-screen debut yet, were given more attention.

This blatant omission prompted Walker to take immediate action. He arranged a meeting with John Yorke, the acting executive producer of *EastEnders* at the time. Walker clarified that Yorke had recently returned to the BBC and wasn’t involved when the book was commissioned, but nonetheless, he felt it was necessary to express his disgust at how the situation was handled. Walker made it clear during their discussion that he found the lack of recognition for his character deeply hurtful, not just for himself but also for the Black community and loyal fans who had followed Patrick’s journey in *EastEnders*.

Walker remembers how John Yorke understood his frustration and fully supported his decision to speak to the press about the matter. He also revealed that his agent had written to the show’s producers to voice their concerns. In response, they were told that the book’s content was overseen by an independent editor, rather than anyone from the *EastEnders* production team, which was why the oversight occurred. Despite this explanation, Walker felt that the rationale didn’t hold up, especially given that major characters were supposedly the focus of the book. To his dismay, even less prominent characters, like the Millers, who hadn’t even appeared on screen yet, were featured, while his character was completely sidelined.

In reflecting on the situation, Walker shared that the absence of Patrick Trueman, a character who had been on the show for three years by the time of the book’s release and had appeared in over 300 episodes with several iconic “Doof Doof” moments, raised significant eyebrows, particularly in the Black community. For many, it was baffling that one of the first Black families in Albert Square could be left out of such an important celebration of the show’s history. Walker remembers the support he received from his co-stars during that difficult time. Both Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, and Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, expressed their shared disgust over the omission. The two actors were so outraged that they believed the book should have been recalled and reprinted to correct the glaring oversight.

Despite the incident, Walker writes that he remains incredibly proud of the work he has done on *EastEnders*, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion on mainstream television. Throughout his 23 years on the show, Walker has played a pivotal role in helping to bring real social issues to the forefront through his character’s storylines. In his autobiography, Walker reflects on the positive changes he has seen in the industry over the years, and he credits *EastEnders* for being a groundbreaking platform for diversity in British television.

Walker expressed his pride in being part of the show’s journey, stating that *EastEnders* has set high standards for the portrayal of characters from diverse backgrounds. He specifically noted how the show has tackled real-life issues in its storylines, using characters like Patrick Trueman to address important social themes. In his memoir, Walker also praised the inclusion of actors like Colin Salmon, who portrayed the Queen Vic landlord, as examples of the show’s commitment to diversity and authentic representation.

Although the experience of being left out of the 20th-anniversary book was a painful one, Walker’s reflections in *Walking With Dignity* ultimately highlight his dedication to his craft and his commitment to breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. His career on *EastEnders* has been defined by his ability to bring depth, authenticity, and dignity to his portrayal of Patrick Trueman, a character who continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

As fans of the show look forward to more from Patrick’s character in the future, Walker’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges that actors from underrepresented backgrounds have faced—and continue to face—in the industry. Despite the setbacks, Walker’s resilience and passion for his work remain unshaken, and his legacy on *EastEnders* is undoubtedly a lasting one.

For viewers of *EastEnders*, Walker’s revelations are a stark reminder of the importance of recognition and representation, both on and off the screen. As the show continues to evolve and grow, the contributions of trailblazing actors like Rudolph Walker should never be overlooked or forgotten.