EastEnders legend Michael French to make epic comeback as David Wicks
Michael French will reprise his iconic role for EastEnders' 40th anniversary later this year.
![Michael French as David Wicks in EastEnders wearing a suit and standing in front of the pub](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aFAFYaNX5YosWsty5b42AU-320-80.jpg)
Another iconic face is returning to Walford later this year as Michael French reprises his role as David Wicks in EastEnders.
David, the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale, first arrived in Walford back in 1993 and is the father of Bianca Jackson, a daughter he shares with childhood sweetheart, Carol Jackson. David is also father to Joe and Karen Wicks who he shares with Lorraine Foster.
David was last seen in Albert Square ten years ago but left after his failed wedding attempt with Carol - but with both Carol and Bianca no longer in Walford what could bring him back to his old home?
One link he does have to the Square is, of course, his half-brother, Ian Beale and his then-wife Cindy Beale. Sounds like a recipe for disaster considering David's affair with Cindy almost got Ian killed!
David isn't the first character returning for EastEnders' 40th anniversary, last month it was announced that Tracy Ann Oberman would be reprising her role as Chrissie Watts for a short stint. Laurie Brett has also returned for a brief time as Jane Beale, thrilling long-time fans of the show.
Viewers will remember David as a smooth-talking womaniser and 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.
Not only did David's endless dodgy deals at step-father Frank Butcher’s (Mike Reid) car lot get him in trouble but there were also fireworks when he discovered that Bianca Jackson, the woman he had started developing feelings for, was in fact his secret daughter.
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Whilst the circumstances relating to his return are yet to be revealed, actor Michael French has revealed there will be plenty of drama on the cards: “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.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm.
Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.
After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.
She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!
As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.