EastEnders Revival: Joe Wicks Returns After 27 Years

In a surprising turn of events for fans of the long-running British soap opera EastEnders, the character Joe Wicks made a brief return this week after a 27-year absence. Joe, portrayed by actor Paul Nicholls, appeared in a video call to his estranged father, David Wicks, played by Michael French. During the call, David appeared emotional as he conversed with Joe and made plans to visit him and his daughter, Holly, played by Chloe Marshall.

Joe Wicks first arrived in Albert Square in 1996, grieving the death of his sister Karen in a tragic car accident. The incident occurred after an argument between the siblings about who would sit in the front seat, leaving Joe with only minor injuries. Initially, David rejected his son, but their relationship improved after Joe ran away and reappeared at his father’s home.

Accompanied by his mother Lorraine, depicted by Jacqueline Leonard, Joe moved to London, but he continued to struggle with the loss of his sister. The guilt from the accident exacerbated his condition, resulting in Joe developing schizophrenia. His behavior became increasingly erratic, including an attempted suicide, keeping newspaper articles about aliens, and hoarding a dead cat in a box in his bedroom. Eventually, Joe sought help for his mental health issues.

While residing in the Square, Joe became romantically involved with Sarah Hills, played by Daniela Denby-Ashe, and the two were engaged. However, Joe had a fling with his second cousin, Mary Flaherty, played by Melanie Clark Pullen, which led him to realize he was too young for marriage, ending the engagement. In 1997, Joe and Lorraine relocated to Bolton. Later reports confirmed that he had reconciled with Sarah after their split.

During a visit to his dying mother, Pat Evans, in 2012, David revealed that Joe was in a relationship with a woman who had children, and that he had stayed with them for a period. However, David and Joe’s relationship soured again, resulting in lost contact.

Joe’s reappearance provides a new opportunity for David to reconnect with his son after years of estrangement, offering a moment of joy for viewers amid the soap’s usual drama and tension. EastEnders, known for its engaging storylines and complex characters, continues to air Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM on BBC One and from 6 AM on BBC iPlayer.