BBC EastEnders embroiled in ‘racism’ storm as icon admits ‘questions were asked’ over resurfaced snub

EastEnders legend Rudolph Walker, who has starred in the soap as the lovable Patrick Trueman for 23 years, once accused BBC bosses of racism when he was snubbed from the 20th anniversary book.

As part of the soap’s 20th year back in 2005, a book was released in celebration, and Walker, 85, has now revealed in his new autobiography that he talked with bosses when he was excluded from it – despite having starred in some of the soap’s big storylines at the time.

The veteran actor was left out of the book, which barely featured any other black characters even though several were starring in the soap.

In his biography, the actor revealed an “angry” colleague had informed him about the book’s snub, and he went on to state co-stars Adam Woodyatt and Shane Richie, who star as Ian Beale and Alfie Moon, argued it should have been “withdrawn and reprinted”.

He detailed how he then demanded an explanation from showrunner John Yorke, The Sun reports.

“I had to have a meeting with him to express my total disgust at the way they conducted their printing/publicity/PR business,” he penned.

He was told that characters with prominent plotlines at the time of the book received greater coverage, which he argued against as The Miller family, who hadn’t appeared on screen yet, were featured.

While his on-screen sons Paul (Gary Beadle) and Anthony (Nick Bailey) were pictured on the cover of the book, there was little mention of them elsewhere in the text.

His book Walking With Dignity reads: “By the end of 2004, I had appeared in 300 episodes over three years and in 2004 had eight ‘doof doofs’.

“The absence in the book of one of the first black families in the Square — despite their small photos, there were scant references inside to Gary Beale and Nick Bailey either — caused many eyebrows to be raised and questions asked.”

He went on to state: “My picture was nowhere to be found.”

Thankfully, the actor managed to sort through the issue with bosses, who apparently blamed an “independent editor” for the book’s lack of black actors.

Despite the mishap, Walker applauded the soap for continuing to feature “characters from diverse ethnic backgrounds”.

He also praised how black actor Colin Salmon was brought in as Queen Vic landlord George Knight, adding this “wouldn’t have been entertained a few years ago.”

EastEnders is now gearing up for its 40th anniversary next February, which fans are currently trying to work out the highly-anticipated storylines for.

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Earlier this month, soap bosses confirmed there would be a live episode to mark the milestone.

While the soap has in the past aired live episodes on special occasions, the 40th anniversary special will feature an intriguing twist.

In a soap first, the audience will decide on the outcome of one of the storylines. However, not much has been given away as to what this will entail just yet.

GB News has reached out to BBC for a comment on the claims.