The popular character will bow out in an upcoming storyline.
Digital Spy – 17 May 2014

EastEnders star Michael French is to bow out from his role as David Wicks.

The actor’s popular character will depart screens once again in an upcoming storyline.

An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed the news to Digital Spy tonight (May 17), but show bosses want to keep further details under wraps to avoid spoiling future episodes for viewers.

Digital Spy understands that French only ever agreed to a short stint when he returned to EastEnders last autumn.

He later agreed to extend his deal when Dominic Treadwell-Collins arrived as executive producer, but it was always the plan for him to leave this year.

Viewers can still expect more drama to come on screen as David and Carol’s wedding day arrives later this month. However, with David still keeping secrets from his bride-to-be, it’s unclear whether they will make it down the aisle.

David shared a passionate kiss with Nikki Spraggan (Rachel Wilde) in January, which has since come back to haunt him as the mischievous blonde is determined to secure a repeat performance.

In the build-up to the ceremony, fans will be left to wonder whether David’s secret connection to Nikki could ruin the big day.

French’s original stint on EastEnders ran between 1993 and 1996. He made a brief reappearance as David in early 2012 for Pat Evans’s exit episodes, before heading back to Walford once again in September 2013.