Patrick Trueman

Trouble is always just round the corner (shop) for Patrick Trueman. Former owner of Walford's Minute Mart, Patrick is as much the go-to guy for words of wisdom as he is for snacks and soap powder.

• Favourite drinks: Rum
• Criminal record: Arrested for his involvement in the 1958 Notting Hill Riots
• Military careers: Sailor
• Favourite music: Ska, also music by Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles
• Hobbies: Drinking, playing dominos and gambling

Since splitting with wife Yolande, Patrick's taken in 'daughter' Denise, and her (diminished) flock. He's no saint, but Patrick did find the strength to forgive the man who killed his fiancée.

He's also been a good friend to Dot and Jim. Since Jim moved into the nursing home, Patrick misses his favourite drinking buddy. But Denise and her sister are always on hand to join him for a swift drink or two - 'yeeah man' *snaps fingers*.

Rudolph Walker

• Rudolph's passions include cricket and tennis. His singing voice is bass-baritone.
• Rudolph starred as Bill Reynolds in the 1970s sitcom Love Thy Neighbour.
• The first image of Rudolph appearing in Albert Square was a shot of his cowboy boots.
• In 1998 he appeared in the stage production of The Iceman Cometh at the Old Vic Theatre.
• He appeared in the film Ali G In Da House.