EastEnders fans struggled to hide their surprise on Thursday when star Paul Nicholls made a surprise return to Albert Square.
The actor, 45, returned to his nineties role of Joe Wicks after almost 27 years away from the soap opera.
Unfortunately, Paul’s character Joe didn’t actually set foot in the square, instead appearing briefly to chat on a video call with his father David Wicks (Michael French).
After watching the episode, excited fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their surprise and praised the BBC drama for bringing back a former cast member.
One fan wrote: ‘Real Joe Wicks!!! (surprise emoji) I didn’t expect that!! #EastEnders’; ‘That? I wasn’t expecting to see Joe Wicks again, a lovely touch.
EastEnders fans were shocked on Thursday when Paul Nicholls made a surprise return to Albert Square after a 27-year absence.
The actor, 45, reprized his role as Joe Wicks after almost 27 years away from the soap opera (pictured in 1997).
‘Enjoying #EastEnders bringing back all these old faces for micro periods before 40.’; ‘David Wicks, Joe Wicks, Jake Moon, Jane Beale… So many amazing returns/cameos this year!!’
the episode picked up the aftermath of David’s return to Walford after receiving a worrying call from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).
Kat told David that she was worried about her friend Bianca (Patsy Palmer), as she had been displaying erratic behavior for months.
David has had his hands full because he spent the week hiding a secret about a person called Holly, who viewers later discover is related to Nicholls’ character.
He received texts and calls from Holly, but refused to tell anyone who she was.
David was planning to leave Walford, but was forced to stay a few more hours after discovering Cindy (Michelle Collins) and Junior (Micah Balfour) kissing on the side of the pub.
The confrontation between David and Cindy in Beale’s Eels featured many reminders of the past.
Cindy considered David to be just as bad as her for having an affair, given that they slept together and betrayed Ian (Adam Woodyatt) in the past.
But he didn’t actually set foot in the square, instead appearing briefly to chat on a video call with his father David Wicks (Michael French is seen).
After watching the episode, excited fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their surprise and praised the BBC drama for bringing back a former cast member.
Late last week, Michael French returned to Walford after receiving a worrying call from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).
Kat (left) told David that she was worried about her friend Bianca (Patsy Palmer) (right) as she had been exhibiting erratic behavior for months.
David has had his hands full as he spent the week hiding a secret about a person called Holly and trying to get Bianca help for her mental health.
He received texts and calls from Holly, but refused to tell anyone who she was. However, on Thursday’s episode viewers discovered that she is his granddaughter.
Their conversation ended when David left the restaurant and headed to the pub, eager to expose Cindy’s affair.
However, upon entering, Ian distracted David as he talked about leaving things in the past and focusing on the future.
David then urged Cindy to focus on her relationship with Ian and the pair kissed before parting ways. However, as David left Albert Square once again, his phone rang and it was Holly.
The young woman talked about whether David still planned to visit her before graduation.
Once she mentioned her father, Holly passed the phone to David’s son, Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls), confirming that Holly is David’s granddaughter.
David hangs up and leaves Walford, ready to see Joe and Holly, but keeping his identity a secret may not last long.
Behind a window was Freddie’s (Bobby Brazier) bird microphone, a powerful device with the ability to pick up clear sounds.
And when Freddie listens to the recording again, he will be in for a huge shock, leaving fans in suspense to see when the truth is revealed.
EastEnders continues on Monday at 7.30pm on BBC One. Episodes are released at 6am that morning on BBC iPlayer.