EastEnders icon Rudolph Walker, 84, reveals he was secretly homeless while starring as Patrick Trueman

EastEnders icon Rudolph Walker has revealed he was secretly homeless when he played Patrick Trueman in the soap.

The 84-year-old actor, who has played the Jamaican patriarch since 2001, admitted he was leading a “double life” after a divorce left him “flat” at the age of 70.

He recalls ‘crying’ on the way to the BBC studios in Elstree as he told his ‘pain and loneliness’ to his fellow actors.

Rudolph married his first wife Lorna Ross in 1968. After their divorce, he married his second wife, Dounne Alexander, in 1998, but they also separated.

The legal costs of his second divorce took their toll, leaving him with “only a car to his name.”

The 84-year-old actor, who has played the role of the Jamaican patriarch since 2001, admitted he was leading a “double life” after a divorce at the age of 70 left him “poor” (pictured in 2023)

In an interview with The Mirrorhe explained, “It was painful. It was extremely difficult. I just didn’t have the financial resources. I literally started all over again at 70, with no place to live. It was a time of great pain and loneliness.

‘Some days on the way to the studio I would pull over on the side of the road and cry. I guess it was kind of a double life.

“Questions like, ‘Who am I? Why am I in this position?’ The audience that saw me every night as Patrick had no idea this was happening.”

Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox, was one of the few actors in the cast who could see through Rudolph’s cheerful image.

But despite her questions, he never told her what he was going through.

He hasn’t even told his children Darren, 52, and Sheona, 48, how bad his financial problems are.

Rudolph’s comments come ahead of the release of his new memoirs, due out later this month.

Walking With Dignity chronicles the trials and hardships the 84-year-old actor has endured, as well as the highlights of his 60-year career so far.

Rudolph wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Finally!! My autobiography ‘Walking With Dignity’ comes out September 26th.’

‘You can pre-order at https://amzn.eu/d/cWyoDGT I hope you like it. Spread the word #autobiography #mylife #actorlife #FamilyFirst.’

Among those who congratulated Rudolph was Ricky Norwood, who played the much-loved role of Fatboy in EastEnders from 2010 to 2015.

He married his second wife, Dounne Alexander, in 1998, but they later separated. The legal costs of his second divorce took their toll and he was left with ‘only a car to his name’ (pictured in 2010)

His comments come ahead of the release of his new memoir, which will be available later this month

Ricky, 41, wrote: ‘When you read anyone’s story… this man’s journey is one filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, surprises and life lessons..!

“I feel honored to call this man a mentor and friend. Pre-order now..(sic).”

Since 2001, the character Patrick, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has been the focus of countless harrowing stories, including tales of strokes, an attack in his shop and the death of his adopted son.

He is seen as a father figure to several characters, namely sisters Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson).

Over the years, Rudolph has appeared in Love Thy Neighbour, Roman Atkinson’s police comedy The Thin Blue Line and films such as 10 Rillington Place,

In the late 1990s he was also the narrator of the popular CBeebies programme Teletubbies.

In honor of his 70th birthday, Rudolph founded the Rudolph Walker Foundation in 2010 to help underprivileged youth pursue careers in the entertainment industry.

Among those who congratulated Rudolph was Ricky Norwood, who played the much-loved character Fatboy in EastEnders from 2010 to 2015

He is seen as a father figure to several characters, namely sisters Denise Fox (Diane Parish, far left) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson, second from left)

Rudolph’s services to drama and charity resulted in his appointment as CBE in the 2020 New Years Honours List

The foundation organises, among other things, a drama prize for schools in London and a role model prize for pupils who have had a positive influence on others.

In 2015, he celebrated his 1000th EastEnders episode.

Rudolph’s services to theatre and charity saw him appointed CBE in the 2020 New Years Honours List.

Walking With Dignity by Rudolph Walker CBE is available from September 26.