Michael French is returning to 'EastEnders'.

The 50-year-old actor will reprise his role as bad boy lothario David Wicks in September, 17 years after his official departure from Albert Square.

Michael - who first played David between 1993 and 1996 and returned for a brief two-week stint last year when his on-screen mother Pat Evans (Pam St. Clement) was dying of cancer - has been promised "major" storylines on his return.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "David is a massive character and was always hugely popular with fans. Michael's return to the soap is a huge coup for the BBC, and viewers will see his character back to charming, cunning best. He has also been assured of a couple of major, forthcoming storylines.

"He's a bit older but David still sees himself as a womaniser and is sure to break a few hearts third time around."

The former car salesman was forced to make a swift exit from Albert Square last year after threats from his childhood sweetheart Carol Jackson's brothers, the Brannings.

His return sparks speculation that he could reunite with Carol (Lindsay Coulson).