Actor Michael French reprises his role as iconic EastEnders ladies’ man David Wicks.

By Lewis Knight

Published: Tuesday, 16 July 2024 at 20:00 PM


Michael French is set to reprise his iconic role as David Wicks in EastEnders.

The BBC One soap has confirmed that the roguish David will be back in Walford over a decade after his last appearance.

The character originally appeared from 1993 to 1996 before subsequent appearances in 2012 and then from 2013 to 2014.

David is famously the son of Pat Butcher (Pam St. Clement) and Pete Beale (Peter Dean), the half-brother of both Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Simon Wicks (Nick Berry), the former lover of Ian’s wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), and the father of fellow Walford icon Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and his children with former wife Lorraine Wicks (Jacqueline Leonard) – Joe (Paul Nicholls) and Karen Wicks.

In his most recent stint in Walford, David had a romantic reconciliation with Bianca’s mother and his childhood sweetheart, Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) amid her journey with breast cancer and they became engaged, however, their romance broke down as their wedding fell apart.

Michael French poses as David Wicks in a suit on the set of Albert Square in a promo image for EastEnders.
Michael French reprises his role as David Wicks for a short stint later this year.
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

So, what could bring roguish David back to the Square and could we see him reunite with his daughter Bianca? Whatever it is, David has long been at the top of many a dream returnees list – including our own.

Discussing his return as David Wicks after a decade away, actor Michael French 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, 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.”