Womaniser David Wicks to return to EastEnders

Michael French who is heading back to Albert Square to play womaniser David Wicks (PA)

Michael French is heading back to Albert Square to play womaniser David Wicks, it was reported today.

The actor, who has also appeared in hospital drama Casualty, briefly returned to the soap last year to film scenes around the departure of Pam St Clement, who played his on-screen mother, Pat Butcher.

His character's on-off relationship with childhood sweetheart Carol Jackson, played by Lindsey Coulson, is likely to feature in the soap again.

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

PA