EastEnders legend reveals he was homeless and penniless after devastating divorce

AN EASTENDERS legend has revealed he was homeless and penniless while filming the BBC One soap - with "only a car to his name."

The actor behind the fan-favourite character, who arrived in Walford in 2001, told how he was left "crying" at his unfortunate situation following his divorce.

Rudolph Walker, who plays EastEnders stalwart Patrick Trueman, became snarled up in the legal costs of his second divorce.

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.

"I was literally starting from scratch again in my 70s, with nowhere to live. It was a time of great pain and loneliness."

He added to : "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.

He previously told how he will "never retire" from the soap and admitted he "enjoys working."

Off-screen, he is also happily married to third wife Evangeline Vincent, with the pair saying In Do in 2016.

The dad of two's first marriage to Lorna Ross, with whom he shares his kids, came in 1968.

As well as turning a corner financially, he has started a new career, too.

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This summer we reported how Rudolph is preparing to tell his life story in an autobiography.

He plans to detail his life on-screen in a new memoir, and recently announced on social media: ""At last!! My Autobiography ‘Walking With Dignity’ is out 26 Sept.

"I hope you enjoy. Do spread the word."

Ricky Norwood, who played Fatboy on the soap, also shared the post and heaped praise on Rudolph, writing: "If your going to read anyone’s story.. this man’s journey is one filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, Surprises and life lessons..!

"I’m so honoured to call this man a mentor and friend x"

Rudolph, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, has had a trailblazing career in acting, and has become beloved as a "TV uncle" to thousands of fans.

On top of EastEnders, he has had celebrated roles in sitcoms Love Thy Neighbour - which ran from 1972 to 1976 - and The Thin Blue Line.