EastEnders is tackling a new AI storyline focusing on Patrick Trueman’s grief after the murder of his son and iconic BBC soap character Anthony Trueman, who died on Christmas Day
12:40, 11 Feb 2026Updated 12:40, 11 Feb 2026
There’s a return from the dead of sorts on EastEnders very soon(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
There’s a return from the dead of sorts on EastEnders very soon.
According to the BBC, the soap is tackling the use of AI software as grief technology. The AI storyline forms part of the broadcaster’s AI Unpacked Week this March.
It will see Patrick Trueman using AI to cope with his grief after losing his son. Anthony Trueman was killed off just weeks ago on Christmas Day in a major twist.
Now, the soap will explore how Patrick uses AI and becomes reliant on the software in a bid to get through his heartache, using it to cope. The BBC revealed the storyline will see Patrick struggling, and we will also see the effects that using the software has on the fan favourite.
His reliance on AI is said to intensify over the coming weeks, while details about what software Patrick uses have not been shared. It was not so long ago that Coronation Street saw a similar story, where Leanne Battersby spoke to an AI version of her late son Oliver.
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EastEnders is tackling a new AI storyline focusing on Patrick Trueman’s grief (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer at the BBC revealed more. She said: “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.” According to Metro the AI software will see Anthony “come back from the dead” as an AI persona.
Anthony Trueman was killed off just weeks ago on Christmas Day in a major twist(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
The initial BBC statement and press release does not state this or whether Anthony will be back visually or through voice where AI is concerned. Fans reacted to the news with some not expecting it.
One fan said: “Did not have Patrick talking to AI Anthony on my 2026 bingo card,” as another wrote: “Ai Anthony is going to send me off the edge.”
A third fan wrote: “Just when you thought #EastEnders couldn’t get more abysmal they’re doing an AI version of Anthony.” A further fan commented: “EastEnders are actually doing AI Anthony.”
Meanwhile the soap is still dealing with the aftermath of Anthony’s death, with Zoe Slater in prison and Chrissie Watts accused as the culprit while she is offscreen. Fans know that it was Anthony and Zoe’s secret daughter Jasmine who actually killed her father Anthony at Christmas, after we saw a recording on her phone.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .