EastEnders legend Rudolph Walker has been forced to deny death rumours this week after the 86-year-old soap star took to social media to reassure fans that false reports circulating online weren’t true
An EastEnders icon has been compelled to set the record straight after false reports began swirling on social media claiming he had passed away.
Rudolph Walker is beloved and celebrated for his portrayal of Patrick Trueman on the BBC One drama.
The performer, who received a CBE for services to drama and charity in the 2020 New Year Honours list, became part of EastEnders in 2001.
However, this week, speculation was rife that Rudolph had passed away, prompting the 86 year old television favourite to address his followers directly on X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that the reports circulating online were completely false.
He posted: “I have become aware that there is fake news being circulated regarding my death. Please be assured that i am alive and well and will be on set at EastEnders first thing tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this real news! !”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Last year, Rudolph revealed how he “had absolutely nothing” during the peak of his celebrity status.
He disclosed that he “didn’t have any financial means” whilst in his 70s and was left with “nowhere to live”, describing that period as one of “great pain and loneliness.”
Speaking to the Mirror, he explained: “Some days on my way to the studio, I would pull up at the side of the road, have a cry. I’d pull myself together, arrive at the studio and the environment would act as a tonic, and I was ready to go. I suppose it was a sort of double life.”
Discussing Diane Parish, who portrays Denise Fox on the show, Rudolph shared: “Diane knew there was something going on, but I never revealed the depth of what was happening.”
As well as playing Patrick in EastEnders, Rudolph is best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in Love Thy Neighbou and Constable Frank Gladstone in The Thin Blue Line.
His feature film credits include 10 Rillington Place, Bhaji on the Beach and Ali G Indahouse.
He runs The Rudolph Walker Foundation, a charity designed to help disadvantaged youths find careers in entertainment.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
