EastEnders David Wicks made his epic return this week – and it’s fair to say his comeback has got plenty of people talking
EastEnders’ David Wicks, the soap legend, has made a dramatic comeback, leaving fans somewhat distracted.
The character, portrayed by Michael French, first appeared on the show in 1993 as a villain at his father Pete Beale’s (Peter Dean) funeral and quickly became one of the most recognisable faces on the soap.
David, known as Walford’s infamous womaniser, was involved in numerous major storylines. His time on the show was filled with drama, from fathering multiple children to engaging in violent confrontations.
He nearly started a relationship with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) before discovering she was his daughter, and he also had a well-known feud with his step-brother, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
The Walford rogue even had an affair with his then-wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), which almost resulted in Ian’s death, reports the Daily Star.
However, actor Michael French left the show in 1996, much to the disappointment of viewers. The villain did make a spectacular return to the soap over a decade later in 2012, only to leave again in 2014.
Now, a decade later, David returned to the square in Thursday’s episode (October 3). As fans may remember, David’s daughter Bianca has been battling her mental health recently.
In addition to being diagnosed with depression, Bianca has become obsessed with proving that Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) killed his wife, in an attempt to free her pregnant sister Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) from prison.
Thursday’s episode (October 3) saw Bianca’s outrageous antics get her thrown out of the Queen Vic, where she landed on a heap of rubbish bags. It was then that a mysterious figure emerged from a taxi.
The enigmatic man was revealed to be none other than David Wicks, who was shocked by Bianca’s dishevelled state. Fans took to social media to express their excitement over David’s return, with many gushing over actor Michael French’s enduring good looks.
On X, one fan commented: “The way David Wicks can STILL get it all these years on. The man is a magnetic KING.” Others echoed this sentiment, with one saying: “He ages like a fine wine.”
Another fan joked: “Why does David Wicks still look hot? Do they deep freeze him between his EastEnders appearances and defrost him in time for his return? ” A fourth fan simply stated: “David doesn’t age.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
