EastEnders legend to make HUGE return 10 years after quitting the soap (2024)

An EastEnders legend is soon set to make a huge return 10 years after quitting the soap.

Michael French, 61, - who plays the iconic character of David Wicks - is making a shock comeback for a short stint of episodes later this year.

More than 30 years after he debuted in Albert Square as Pat Butcher's son, the character will head back home in the coming months.

It comes as the BBC show is approaching its landmark 40th anniversary next year when plenty of famous faces will be returning to the soap.

Michael said: 'I feel honoured to be asked to reprise the role of David Wicks once again.

'It may only be a brief visit, but we know from his past that David never fails to create a lot of drama in a very short time.'

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer added: 'David Wicks is undoubtedly one of EastEnders' most beloved rogues, and we are thrilled to welcome the talented Michael French back to the legendary role as we lead up to the show's 40th anniversary.

'David's character was never shy of drama during his previous stints, and I can assure you this return will be no different.'

Whilst Albert Square has changed immensely since David last stepped foot in it, his character remains cemented in its history as the smooth-talking womaniser, and son of Walford's infamous matriarch, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), and Pete Beale (Peter Dean).

Over his four collective years in Albert Square, David was never far away from drama having been involved in some of the show's most iconic storylines, often proving that even his own family were not safe from his deception.

From becoming sworn enemies with step-brother, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), after he embarked on an affair with his then wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), that almost saw Ian killed, conducting endless dodgy deals at step-father Frank Butcher's (Mike Reid) car lot, and discovering that Bianca Jackson, the woman he had started developing feelings for, was in fact his secret daughter.

David last returned to Walford after the death of nemesis Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) in 2013, and sought to rekindle his relationship with teen sweetheart, Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), but things weren't meant to be and David left Walford alone once again after she called time on their relationship when he was a no-show at their wedding due to suffering a sudden heart-attack.

Whilst the circ*mstances relating to his return are yet to be revealed, one thing is for certain, when David is around, trouble almost always inevitably follows.

David Wicks first appeared on screen on December 23 1993 and is the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale, and half-brother to Ian Beale and Simon Wicks.

David Wicks shares daughter Bianca Jackson with teen sweetheart Carol Jackson, although he wasn't aware of her existence until March 1994.

David Wicks is also a father to son, Joe Wicks, and daughter Karen Wicks who he shares with Lorraine Foster.

David Wicks briefly returned to Walford in December 2012 to visit his mum, Pat Butcher, before her death.

David Wicks last appeared on screen 30 May 2014 after his relationship with Carol Jackson broke down following their failed wedding attempt.

It comes afterEastEnders legend Laurie Brett teased her 'emotional' and 'intense' storyline as she makes her exciting return to the soap as Jane Beale.

The Scottish actress, 55, who first appeared on the soap in 2004, made her shock TV comeback on Monday night's show.

Last week, Jane shocked Cindy (Michelle Collins) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) as she unexpectedly arrived back on the square.

But as the shock scene ended on a cliffhanger, fans had to wait for her anticipated full return.

Laurie departed the BBC show for a second time in 2017 after her involvement in the iconic Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline.

Speaking about her comeback, Laurie spoke about how it was for Jane to reunite with her son Bobby(Clay Milner Russell), who killed Lucy back in the day.

She said: 'The minute Jane sees Bobby, it’s almost like an out-of-body experience for her. The whole world stops, and all she can see is him.

'Her heart is exploding with love, and everything else fades to black. It’s a beautiful moment. I think there are a few scenes that are going to make people cry.

'No matter what Bobby has done to Jane in the past, a mother will always forgive. You only have to look at Dot and Nick back in the day to see that’s true.'

Sharing her nerves at coming back to EastEnders, Laurie said: 'I was quite nervous on the first day, thinking, "Gosh, do I remember how to be Jane?"

'But even though I was nervous, I’d had quite a lot of time to think about it, having had the scripts for a while, so it was just about getting back into the swing of it.

'When I walked on set and saw Adam (Woodyatt) and Michelle (Collins), and also our director Karl Neilson, who directed the live episode in 2015, plus loads of the crew that I knew, all my worries melted away.

'There were so many familiar faces who were so welcoming. So, about half an hour in, it was like I’d never been away.'

More than a decade ago, Bobby attacked Lucy with a jewellery box as part of the Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline.

Jane attempted to cover for him but he ended up going to prison.

On her awkward storyline with Cindy, Laurie shared how the atmosphere was when she saw Jane.

She said: 'It is a bit of a shock! They’ve never met before, but Jane knows an awful lot more about Cindy than Cindy knows about Jane because of all those years she spent with the Beale kids.

'So, Jane is sideswiped by Cindy, but she’s also a bit indignant, thinking, "What are you doing in my house?"

'Seeing Cindy is almost like seeing a ghost for Jane. Jane’s head is spinning, which is only natural, given how bizarre this situation is.'