EastEnders fans left stunned as Joe Wicks makes surprise return after 27 years

BBC's aired the shocking return of an iconic character.

As Thursdays episode came to a close, fans were glued when David Wicks introduced us to Holly, who we later found out was his granddaughter. sent David a text message on his phone after he ignored her calls this week. The message was her asking if he was "still coming up tonight", proving they knew each other and hinting it was someone he saw often. Bianca Jackson asked her dad if he was seeing anyone having spotted Holly's text message earlier in the day. As she asked if Holly was his partner and wanted to know her identity, David avoided the question. He later confirmed that he had only met Holly on the one occasion.

Prior to the on-screen bombshell, David told Bianca he was taking her up north as there was "someone he wanted her to see," not giving it away that he was still in touch with her brother, Joe Wicks.

However, David's return has seen some feathers rattled on Albert Square after he was seen passionately kissing his former lover, Cindy Beale – the wife of his half-brother, Ian. But all was revealed in a major cliffhanger on Thursday. As David bowed out of the soap again, he spoke to his granddaughter over FaceTime and shared his excitement ahead of seeing her graduate.

Holly later revealed her "dad" had said David would be able to stay with them following the celebrations before the camera moved to Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls). Almost three decades after he was last seen on screen, Joe said: "You alright, dad?" as he laughed while thanking David who said he "looks well."

"Listen, this girl is really looking forward to seeing you in person," said Joe, before adding: "Tomorrow then?" after David made it clear they haven't seen one another in several years. "I'll see you tomorrow," said a tearful David as the phone call ended. Fans have since taken to social media to share their excitement.

"Well well well Joe Wicks!!" exclaimed one. A second added: "Its getting interesting!!" "# Joe Wicks, that is all!" commented another with a heart-eyes emoji. Another added: "Think he should come back with daughter and David to to be with Bianca." "He's one I'd love a proper return from," said another.

David had previously spoken of Joe not being able to let things go in the latest episode, leading to Bianca calling him out. She screamed: "Why are you talking about Joe? Do you think I'm schizophrenic?" Bianca was referencing a huge storyline for the former character as he battled with his mental health after the death of his sister Karen. After exhibiting strange behaviour he was diagnosed with the condition, and sadly he attempted to take his own life.

Joe left Walford back in 1997 a year on from his debut, moving away with his mum Lorraine. He was mentioned by David back in 2012, when David came back to say goodbye to his dying mother Pat Butcher.

There was mention of Joe having a girlfriend with two children while it was later revealed David had lost contact with his son. Years on it's not clear whether he and Joe are back on talking terms. Given the mention of him, fans can't help but wonder if a return is on the cards.

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