EastEnders to 'bring back' dead character with AI
EastEnders is set to "revive" recently-deceased Anthony Trueman with the use of AI as part of a new storyline for the BBC's AI Unpacked Week.
EastEnders is set to "revive" Anthony Trueman with the use of AI.
The doctor - played by Nicholas Bailey - was killed off on the soap over Christmas, sparking a whodunnit, and a new storyline will see his father Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) turn to artificial intelligence to cope with his grief.
But over the weeks to come, the pensioner will grow increasingly reliant on the virtual version of his son, much to the concern of those around him.
The storyline will be part of a wider AI Unpacked Week broadcasting across the BBC between 2 and 8 March.
The special week will also include a new Panorama investigation titled Will Robots Take My Job?, and the return of conspiracy thriller The Capture, which will explore the use of deepfakes.
CBeebies will help educate parents on using AI responsibly at home, while programmes across BBC Radio will see presenters discussing its usage.
Speaking of the initiative, Kate Phillips, BBC chief content officer, said in a statement: “AI Unpacked Week builds on the BBC’s work on educating UK audiences about AI and its place in society. Across TV, radio and digital we have a range of dedicated AI programming to inform and excite audiences about the rise of this new technology.
"From grief tech in EastEnders, to a Panorama special on the advance of robotics, to BBC Bitesize guides for teenagers.
"As we stand at the brink of a major technological revolution, the BBC will play a vital role in being a trusted destination for advice, insight and engagement for all audiences."
Nicholas only returned to EastEnders as Anthony last year after an 11-year absence and he admitted he was "sad" to have been killed off, though he felt his demise would be good for the show.He told The Sun: “I was sad things were coming to an end, but I wanted to lean into the excitement of this story being a launch pad for some incredible stuff heading into 2026.
“I love EastEnders and I love seeing the show thrive. So, while I’m sad to be saying goodbye to Anthony, I’m happy it means my friends are going to have some incredible stuff to play following his death.
“My jaw hit the floor when our producer Ben Wadey told me where this was going and what was going to happen.
“But I think it was a masterstroke because when I look back, Anthony was always a bit like a pressure cooker, and he let things build and build before the steam escapes. This time he couldn’t keep the lid on it!
“A Christmas storyline is a huge moment in soap, so to get that and a big Christmas Day exit was a real honour!
“Obviously, it was bittersweet because it meant I was leaving, and I’ve felt really at home since I came back to EastEnders.
“But the storyline itself is tremendous, and it gave me much more to do than I expected. It’s been great to come out of my comfort zone and play some spectacular scenes full of spectacular lines.”
