David Wicks returns to EastEnders after 20 years

Michael French who is making his comeback in EastEnders as womaniser David Wicks almost 20 years after he first arrived in Albert Square. (PA)

Michael French is making his comeback in EastEnders as womaniser David Wicks almost 20 years after he first arrived in Albert Square.

The actor, who has also appeared in hospital drama Casualty, returns later this year and show bosses are promising sparks will fly.

He was last seen in the long-running BBC soap last January when he briefly returned for the last scenes of his on-screen mother Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, and rekindled his romance with Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson).

The last time viewers saw him on screen he was chased off the Square by her brothers after trying to rekindle the relationship.

Executive producer Lorraine Newman said: "It's an absolute honour to have Michael back in the show. Michael created an iconic character in David and, with such rich history with Ian, Bianca and of course, Carol, there's plenty to explore in the future."

PA