Michael French will return to EastEnders as David Wicks.

The legendary EastEnders cast member will be back for a short stint later this year in the lead-up to the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary. Ian Beale’s half-brother will likely cause even more complications for Ian following the return of Jane Beale earlier this week.

David and Ian spent years as sworn enemies fighting for Cindy Beale’s love, including as part of a notorious storyline where Cindy tried to hire a hitman to kill Ian.

David also learned during his original stint that he was the father of Bianca Jackson, leading to him rekindling his love affair with Bianca’s mum, former sweetheart Carol Jackson, in the 2010s.

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“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,” producer Chris Clenshaw teased.

“David’s character was never shy of drama during his previous stints, and I can assure you this return will be no different.”

Viewers last saw David — who is the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale — leaving Walford in 2014 when his relationship with Carol broke down.

“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,” French said

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Clenshaw has lined up several bombshell returns in advance of next February’s EastEnders 40th anniversary.

In recent months, viewers have seen Lauren and Penny Branning, Johnny Carter, and Jane Beale all reappear in Walford, with Tracy-Ann Oberman soon set to reprise her iconic role as Sharon Watts’ stepmother Chrissie Watts.