BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale

Jane returns on EastEnders

EastEnders has announced the comeback of a soap icon 34 years after their first appearance.

In 1993, David Wicks, played by Michael French, made his explosive debut. The villain arrived at his father Pete Beale's (Peter Dean) funeral and quickly became one of the most recognisable faces on the show.

As Walford's infamous womaniser, David was embroiled in numerous major storylines. From fathering multiple children to engaging in violent altercations, his stint on the show was anything but dull.

David almost embarked on a romance with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) before discovering she was actually his daughter, and he also had a notorious feud with step-brother, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).

The Walford rogue even had an affair with his then-wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), which nearly resulted in Ian's death. Actor Michael French departed the BBC show in 1996, leaving fans devastated.

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Eastenders logoCredit: BBC (Image: BBC)

However, the villain made a dramatic return to the soap over a decade later in 2012. David reunited with estranged partner Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), only to suffer a heart attack at their wedding.

And in 2014, he bid farewell to Walford, and Carol, and headed off to America. But now, a decade later, EastEnders has confirmed that David will be returning for a brief spell later this year.

As he prepares to return, the actor Micheal stated: "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."

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Simultaneously, Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders' Executive Producer, chimed in: "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."

The soap stalwart's return is not a solitary one for the BBC series. Last year saw his former love interest Cindy 'come back from the dead', while Jane Beale (played by Laurie Brett) shocked audiences with her unexpected return this week.

Furthermore, just last month, it was announced that Chrissie Watts, as portrayed by Tracy-Ann Oberman, would also make her way back to Walford, nearly two decades after her departure.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale

BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale

BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale

BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale

BBC EastEnders confirms comeback of 'beloved rogue' - and it's bad news for Ian Beale