The long career of the actor who plays EastEnders’ Patrick Trueman spans cultural changes on and off screen

For the past two decades, Rudolph Walker has been a familiar face in the homes of millions of Britons, making nightly appearances as Patrick Trueman, the lovable rogue of Albert Square.

During his time on EastEnders, Walker’s character has taken on complex and prominent storylines featuring depictions of ill health and the sexual assault of his on-screen wife.