EastEnders: Bianca Jackson's Shock Return & a Familiar Face Follows!

Patsy Palmer, the iconic EastEnders star, will be making a surprise comeback to Albert Square as Bianca Jackson, the BBC has confirmed. And she won't be returning alone.

Speculation about Palmer's return has been rife in recent weeks, fuelled by her sighting near the show's London set in July. The broadcaster has now officially confirmed the news, promising exciting new storylines for the character.

However, unbeknownst to Bianca, her father David Wicks, played by Michael French, will be hot on her heels. David, who is also making a comeback to the soap, last saw Bianca ten years ago when he left for America following the breakdown of his relationship with her mother, Carol Jackson.

Despite their shared love, Bianca and David have always had a complicated relationship. David, unaware of Bianca's existence until 1994, shares her with his teenage sweetheart Carol Jackson.

Bianca departed Walford in June after publicly exposing her sister, Sonia Jackson, and Sonia's boyfriend, Reiss Colwell, for stealing money from Reiss's comatose wife. The incident occurred in The Vic, much to the horror of onlookers.

While Sonia has since forgiven Bianca, thanks to Kat Slater's intervention, the pair haven't seen each other since the drama unfolded.

With unfinished business to settle and having previously warned Sonia to stay away from her brother-in-law, the now-murderer Reiss, Bianca returns to Albert Square with a clear purpose.

Michael French, 61, who played the memorable David Wicks, is also making a return for a short stint later this year, marking a decade since he last graced the show.

The father-daughter duo's return coincides with the BBC show's upcoming 40th anniversary, where numerous familiar faces are expected to make a comeback.

French commented on his return: "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."

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."

Despite the changes Albert Square has undergone since David last set foot there, his character remains an integral part of the soap's history. He is remembered as the smooth-talking womaniser and the son of Walford's legendary matriarch, Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), and Pete Beale (Peter Dean).

David previously returned to Walford in December 2012 to visit his mother, Pat Butcher, before her passing. His last screen appearance was on 30 May 2014, after his relationship with Carol Jackson crumbled following their failed wedding attempt.

Other stars confirmed to be returning for the 40th anniversary include David Wicks [Michael French] and Chrissie Watts [Tracy-Ann Oberman].

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."

When asked if this implied the return of some favourite characters, Clenshaw 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."