EastEnders fans are convinced that legendary character David Wicks (Michael French) could be on the brink of a huge return.

The former car lot owner was first seen on our screens in 1993, but hasn’t appeared in the BBC soap for a decade.

As half brother of stalwart Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and father of recent returnee Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), he has a lot of ties to Albert Square that could see him arrive back for another stint.

His initial run in Walford saw him reunite with estranged mother Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement) at the funeral of his dad Pete Beale (Peter Dean).

A romance was initially tipped for him and Bianca until Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) revealed that she hadn’t had an abortion years earlier and that she was his daughter.

In a bizarre and controversial twist, he later admitted to still being sexually attracted to her despite being made aware of her parentage.

After an affair with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), she hired a hitman to murder her husband Ian so they could be together.

Despite being shot, he survived and David was forced to leave Walford after becoming alienated from his friends and family.

Sixteen years later, after learning that Pat was dying of pancreatic cancer, he returned to be by her side in her final days.

During the next two years he had a turbulent reunion with ex Carol, but after suffering a heart attack on their wedding day she believed he’d jilted her again.

Despite reconciling, he made a bold move and eloped to America, leaving her devastated.

The character has since been mentioned several times, including in last night’s (27th March) episode during a date night between Martin Fowler (James Bye) and Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy) at Walford East.

As the pair got to know one another, Martin mentioned the long history of his infamous fruit and veg stall on the Bridge Street Market and David’s name was dropped into conversation.

He was also referenced by Bianca in episodes set in Milton Keynes earlier this month.

Taking to X/Twitter and Reddit, many diehard fans were adamant that he should make a reappearance.

‘David Wicks klaxon!!! Bring him back!’ cried one user.

‘Yet another David mention today from Martin this time! Can he hurry up and come back already?!?!’ added another.

‘Need David Wicks to come home and finally do right by Ar Carol (then they can leave happily)’

One viewer commented: ‘Miss my David Wicks’.