EastEnders star admits he has ‘no regrets’ over controversial ITV sitcom
EASTENDERS star Rudolph Walker has made it clear he has “no regrets” about starring in the controversial 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour.
Rudolph, 85, is best known for playing Patrick Trueman on the BBC soap, but first rose to fame playing Bill Reynolds in the ITV sitcom Love Thy Neighbour.
After a long career, Rudolph has written a tell-all book about his life. In it, he opens up about some of his career highlights, counting Love Thy Neighbour among them.
In recent years, the sitcom has been criticised for the way it handled race, as Eddie Booth (Jack Smethurst) takes offence when he finds himself living next to a black man (Rudolph).
The series also used some racist slurs.
In an extract from his upcoming book due for release this week, Rudolph reaffirmed that he is “proud and delighted” to have been chosen to star in Love Thy Neighbour, despite the backlash it later received.
He said: “I played the part with all the dignity I could muster, and it made my name, for which I’m grateful.
“Many feel it is one of those roles I might wish not to acknowledge, but it was a big stepping stone for me and although I can respect – and share – other views today, at the time it was a great opportunity.”
The sitcom centred around Eddie and Bill’s rivalry.
“A white working-class socialist has his world turned upside down when an educated black man moves in next door,” the synopsis explains.
The Two men constantly battle over seemingly trivial offences; while their wives are the best of friends and forced to act as referees. And as the name suggests, the two couples attempt to win a love-thy-neighbour competition, but Eddie and Bill’s rivalry means they have to do this by lying.
Love Thy Neighbour ran for eight series from 1972 to 1976.
When it ended, Rudolph went on to star in EastEnders, having played the role of Patrick for over 23 years.
His upcoming autobiography will cover all aspects of his life and career, with Rudolph no doubt sharing some secrets from behind-the-scenes of the BBC soap.
Rudolph’s book explores his upbringing and childhood in Trinidad, and what was often a challenging relationship with his mother.
He also explains that back in his hometown the streets became empty whenever Love Thy Neighbour was transmitted, as they were delighted Rudolph had become a household name.
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Ahead of his book release, Rudolph has opened up about other periods of his life, including being left homeless in his 70s.
He married second wife Dounne Alexander in 1998, yet when the pair split, he told how he was left cash-strapped and living a “double life.”
The BBC One star candidly said: “It was painful.
“It was extremely difficult. I just didn’t have any financial means.”
He added to MirrorOnline: “Some days on my way to the studio, I would pull up at the side of the road, have a cry.
“I suppose it was a sort of double life.
“Questions of: ‘Who am I? Why am I in this position?’
“There was no way the public watching me as Patrick every other night were aware that was what was happening.”
His acting skills meant he covered up his heartache while portraying Patrick to the nation – a character they have taken to heart.
Thankfully, he turned a corner financially and also found love again.
Off-screen, he is happily married to his third wife Evangeline Vincent, with the pair saying I Do in 2016.