EastEnders David Wicks made his return this week to the BBC soap – but fans are only just realising the shock resident he is related to
EastEnders fans have been left floored after realising a surprise Walford resident is related to David Wicks.
Soap legend David (Michael French) made his comeback to the BBC One soap this week, 10 years since he was last seen in Walford. He first arrived way back in 1993.
The villain turned up at dad Pete Beale’s (Peter Dean) funeral and went on to be one of the most famous faces of the soap. As Walford’s notorious love rat, David was involved in several big storylines.
From fathering plenty of children to getting into violent scuffles, his time on the show was not short of drama. David also nearly struck up a romance with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) before learning she was actually his daughter.
The Walford bad boy even embarked on an affair with his then-wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) that almost saw Ian killed. Actor Michael French ended up leaving in 1996 though – leaving viewers gutted. But the villain made an epic comeback to the soap more than a decade later in 2012 before leaving in 2014.
But now, 10 years on and David was back in the square this week. David rocked up in a bid to help his daughter Bianca, amid her erratic behaviour and depression diagnosis.However, it’s fair to say fans have been left gobsmacked after only just realising who David Wicks is related to on the soap: Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). David’s father Peter Beale is the same father as Ian’s.
One person wrote on an EastEnders Facebook fan page: “Just watching EastEnders how is Ian David’s half brother??” Someone else added: “Yes I only just clicked with this too can’t believe I didn’t realise.” A third penned: “Only found out today myself.” Another proclaimed: “I know I thought that good old Cindy likes to keep it all in the family.”
Speaking of his return, actor Micheal previously 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.”
Meanwhile, EastEnders’ Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw, 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.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
