MONTHS have gone by since Patrick Trueman was last seen in Albert Square.
The legendary EastEnders character makes a surprising comeback next week for a devastating reason.
Patrick Trueman left Walford in March, 2023
He departed after pretending to be married to Vi Highway
Patrick wanted to rekindle his romance with a former flame
Regular BBC One viewers may remember that Patrick (portrayed by Rudolph Walker) left Albert Square when it became clear he was still head over heels for former flame Yolande.
Patrick and Yolande were once married in 2004 but sadly parted ways when she moved away from the fictional borough of Walford and he struggled with the idea of following her.
However, in March, 2023, he confessed he still harboured feelings for her and decided to take a leap of faith to win his girl back.
Coming up next week, however, Patrick makes an impromptu return as Square residents make some last happy memories with Lola Pearce.
The hairstylist played by Danielle Harold is at the centre of a ladies’ day party organised by her husband Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson).
Patrick Trueman, on his part, will be joining the celebrations on a covert video call with Rocky Cotton (Brian Conley).
What do they have in mind?
Could Patrick Trueman return to Walford for a last goodbye to Lola as her funeral scenes have recently been filmed?
Lola was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and her loved ones have been trying to accept her devastating prognosis.
But as she only has a handful of weeks to live, Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) is left unable to cope and spirals out of control.
Next week, he’s unconvinced Lola should be leaving the hospital after another health complication.
Lola is welcomed home by Walford residents who rally around the family for support.
This leads Ben to lash out against both Honey and Billy Mitchell (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) as he accuses the family of accepting Lola’s prognosis far too easily.
Despite his own pain, Jay Brown found a way to make the most out of Lola’s short time as his wife and he decides to head to the Arches to confront Ben.
But the conversation soon escalates when Jay makes a shocking confession which leaves Ben furious.
Later on, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) tries to talk some sense into his son by opening up about his mother Peggy and implores the mechanic to stop being so selfish.
Awash with guilt, Ben heads to No.18 to apologise… but later leaves a voicemail for Dr Washington requesting help to ensure Lola will still be alive by September.
Can he ever accept that Lola has run out of options?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Lola Pearce is living her last moments in the Square
And Ben Mitchell is struggling to cope with her prognosis
