As EastEnders approaches its 40th anniversary, they are set to welcome home another Walford legend as Michael French takes over the role of David Wicks for a short stint later this year.
Although Albert Square has changed a great deal since David last set foot there, his character remains rooted in its rich history as a smooth-talking womaniser and son of Walford’s notorious matriarch, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), and Pete Beale (Peter Dean).
During his four years in Albert Square, David was never far from drama, having been involved in some of the show’s most iconic storylines, often proving that even his own family were not immune to his deceptions. From becoming the sworn enemy of his half-brother, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), after he began an affair with his then-wife, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), which nearly cost Ian his life, to endless dodgy dealings in his father-in-law Frank Butcher’s (Mike Reid) car park, to discovering that Bianca Jackson, the woman he had begun to develop feelings for, was in fact his secret daughter…
David returned to Walford for the last time after the death of his nemesis Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) in 2013, and sought to rekindle his relationship with his teenage sweetheart, Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), but things weren’t meant to be this way and David left Walford alone once again after she ended their relationship when he failed to show up to their wedding due to a sudden heart attack.
While the circumstances surrounding his return remain unclear, one thing is certain: when David is around, trouble almost always happens…
Michael French said of his return: “I am honoured to have been asked to reprise the role of David Wicks. It may only be a brief appearance, but we know from his past that David never fails to create a lot of drama in a very short space of time.”
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, added: “David Wicks is undoubtedly one of EastEnders’ most beloved characters, and we are delighted to welcome the talented Michael French back to his legendary role as the show approaches its 40th anniversary. David’s character has never been short of drama in his previous appearances, and I can assure you that this return will be no different.”
- David Wicks first appeared on screen on 23 December 1993 and is the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale, and half-brother of Ian Beale and Simon Wicks.
- David Wicks shares daughter Bianca Jackson with his teenage sweetheart Carol Jackson, although he was not aware of her existence until March 1994.
- David Wicks is also father to a son, Joe Wicks, and a daughter, Karen Wicks, whom he shares with Lorraine Foster.
- David Wicks briefly returned to Walford in December 2012 to visit his mother, Pat Butcher, before she died.
- David Wicks last appeared on screen on 30 May 2014 after his relationship with Carol Jackson broke down following their failed marriage attempt.
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