EastEnders delivered a shocking Christmas Day cliffhanger that left viewers questioning whether a beloved character has met his end. In dramatic scenes aired on 25 December 2025, Anthony Trueman was discovered lifeless on the floor of the Queen Vic, sparking a major whodunnit mystery.
A Violent Confrontation Leads to Tragedy
The tense episode saw Zoe Slater confront Anthony, played by actor Nicholas Bailey, accusing him of sending her a fraudulent letter pretending to be from her long-lost son. The argument escalated rapidly, with Zoe declaring "Nothing is coming between me and my kids." A physical fight broke out between the pair, resulting in Zoe being knocked unconscious.
Moments later, Kat Slater was horrified to find Zoe with a head injury. While Zoe appeared to recover, the camera then panned to reveal Anthony's motionless body on the floor, leaving his fate hanging in the balance. The immediate question for fans is whether he is dead and, if so, who is responsible.
A Tumultuous Return to Walford
Anthony Trueman made a surprise return to Albert Square earlier in 2025, over a decade after his last appearance. Nicholas Bailey reprised the role, initially returning for his father Patrick's wedding before deciding to stay in Walford permanently.
His comeback has been fraught with drama, including the revelation that he is the biological father of Zoe Slater's adopted twins. The plot thickened further when it was exposed that Jasmine is Zoe and Anthony's long-lost daughter, whose own secret son has now made contact.
Speaking about his return in the summer, 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." Executive Producer Ben Wadey added that Anthony's plan for a brief visit was extended when he "uncovers what has been going on in the Trueman household."
Who is the True Killer?
While all evidence from the Christmas episode points to Zoe Slater being responsible for Anthony's potential death, EastEnders is notorious for its shocking twists. The question now plaguing viewers is whether someone else intervened in the altercation.
Could another resident of Walford have seen to his end in a surprise turn of events? With more secrets from Anthony's past promised to be exposed in the coming weeks, the true circumstances of his collapse are sure to unravel slowly, keeping audiences guessing.
This dramatic storyline marks a pivotal moment for the long-running BBC soap, ensuring that Anthony Trueman's return will have lasting and potentially fatal consequences for the residents of Albert Square.
