The BBC has confirmed thatEastEnderslegend Patsy Palmerwill be making a shock comeback as Bianca Jackson -and she won't be returning to Albert Square alone.
Speculation had been mounting in recent weeks that the 52-year-oldsoap starcould be returning, after she was spotted near the London set in July.
Now, the broadcaster has revealed that the actress will be gracing our screens once again, as new storylines are set to unfold.
But, unbeknownst to Bianca, her father David Wicks, played by Michael French who is also making a comeback to the show, is set to be 'hot on her tail'.
Bianca and David last saw each other ten years ago before he left to live in America following the breakdown of his relationship with Bianca’s mother, Carol Jackson.
The BBC has confirmed that EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer will be making a shock comeback as Bianca Jackson
Speculation had been mounting in recent weeks that the 52-year-old soap star could be returning, after she was spotted near the London set in July
Now, the broadcaster has revealed that the actress will be gracing our screens once again, as new storylines are set to unfold
While the father daughter duo undoubtedly love each other, their relationship has always been complicated.
David shares Bianca with teen sweetheart Carol Jackson, although he wasn't aware of her existence until March 1994.
Bianca left Walford back in June after she ceremoniously outed her sister, Sonia Jackson, and boyfriend, Reiss Colwell, for stealing money from his comatose wife in front of horrified onlookers in The Vic.
Sonia has since forgiven Bianca after Kat Slater intervened to make her aware of Bianca’s recent struggles, but the pair haven’t seen or spoke to each other since.
With a whole heap of unfinished business to resolve, and having previously implored Sonia to steer clear of brother-in-law turned murderer, Reiss, Bianca is returning to Albert Square as a woman on a mission.
It was revealed in July thatMichael French, 61, - who plays the iconic character of David Wicks - is making a shock comeback for a short stint of episodes later this year,10 years after quitting the soap.
The father and daughter both returning comes as the BBC show is approaching its landmark 40th anniversary next year when plenty of famous faces will be returning to the soap.
Michael said: 'I feel honoured to be asked to reprise the role of David Wicks once again.
But, unbeknownst to Bianca, her father David Wicks, played by Michael French who is also making a comeback to the show, is set to be 'hot on her tail'
Sonia has since forgiven Bianca after Kat Slater intervened to make her aware of Bianca’s recent struggles, but the pair haven’t seen or spoke to each other since
The father and daughter both returning comes as the BBC show is approaching its landmark 40th anniversary next year when plenty of famous faces will be returning to the soap (David seen on show in 2013)
Over his four collective years in Albert Square, David was never far away from drama having been involved in some of the show's most iconic storylines (seen withCindy Beale (Michelle Collins))
'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.'
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer 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.'
Whilst Albert Square has changed immensely since David last stepped foot in it, his character remains cemented in its history as the smooth-talking womaniser, and son of Walford's infamous matriarch, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), and Pete Beale (Peter Dean).
David briefly returned to Walford in December 2012 to visit his mum, Pat Butcher, before her death.
He last appeared on screen 30 May 2014 after his relationship with Carol Jackson broke down following their failed wedding attempt.
Other stars set to return for the 40th anniversary include David Wicks [Michael French[] and Chrissie Watts [Tracy-Ann Oberman].
Boss Chris Clenshaw told The Sun: 'As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.
'Into the autumn and the end of the year, we've got quite a few treats coming up.'
Asked if that meant a return for some favourite characters, Chris replied: 'Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.
'But it has to come from character, it has to come from story.'
