Anthony EastEnders: The Shocking Murder That Gripped Walford

The Dramatic Return and Tragic End

Anthony Trueman, portrayed by Nicholas Bailey, met a shocking end on Christmas Day 2025, with his final scenes as a corpse airing on 15 January 2026, revealing he was killed by his daughter Jasmine. The character’s return to EastEnders after an 11-year absence was meant to be brief—Bailey reprised his role in July 2025 for the wedding of Anthony’s father Patrick and Yolande Trueman. What began as a joyful family reunion quickly spiralled into one of the soap’s most dramatic storylines.

The Christmas Day Murder Mystery

Anthony ambushed Zoe Slater upstairs in The Vic, desperately hoping to salvage a relationship with his adopted kids, but when Zoe refused to work with him, a fight ensued and Anthony knocked her unconscious before Kat later found Zoe lying injured and Anthony dead. Zoe Slater was subsequently charged with her ex’s murder and imprisoned, while Kat Moon travelled to Corfu searching for Chrissie Watts, whom she believed to be responsible.

The Killer Revealed

EastEnders finally confirmed who killed Anthony Trueman on Christmas Day last year. In a dramatic turn of events, Jasmine confessed to her father in a private moment, revealing she had no remorse for the murder and produced video evidence showing her striking Anthony during a confrontation. The revelation came during an emotionally charged scene at the chapel of rest, where Jasmine was left alone with her late father’s body.

The Impact on Walford

Nicholas Bailey broke his silence following the shocking death, explaining that after returning to the BBC soap after an absence of 11 years, Anthony met his end on Christmas Day following a dramatic storyline involving former flame Zoe Slater, with it being revealed that he had lied about the fate of their twins. Exploring Patrick’s grief and guilt in the aftermath will allow the legendary Rudolph Walker to take centre stage, as he celebrates 25 years in the soap in 2026. The storyline has left viewers gripping their seats, with questions remaining about whether Jasmine’s crime will ever be exposed and whether she can help her mother escape prison.