We get a peek into the extremely private life of the EastEnders star away from the spotlight as Michael French makes his way back to Albert Square in his role as Walford womanizer extraordinaire David Wicks.
After leaving the BBC soap opera ten years ago, EastEnders actor Michael French is making his way back to Albert Square tonight, Monday, October 7, as Walford womanizer extraordinaire David Wicks. It’s anticipated that the antagonist, who made his stunning debut in 1993, will have several steamy reunions with his daughter Bianca Jackson (played by Patsy Palmer) and her former flame Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins).
David has been involved in several major plots over the years. The most well-known of these was when Lindsey Coulson’s character, Carol Jackson, a former flame, brought her daughter Bianca back to the square. After learning that he was Bianca’s father, David discovered that he had begun to get fond of her. Since originally appearing on the program, Michael has left and returned several times. However, his last departure occurred in 2014, following the breakdown of David and Carol’s relationship after their unsuccessful attempt at marriage.
Regarding his most recent comeback, Michael stated: “It is an honor to be asked to play David Wicks once more. Even though David’s stay will only be brief, we already know from his past that he can produce a lot of drama in a short amount of time.
Although Michael’s character has had a good deal of drama, he leads a totally different, and much tranquil, life off screen. The sixty-two-year-old, who lives in a rural area of Essex, has mostly avoided the spotlight since leaving the serial opera, and not much is known about his personal life. He was photographed walking his French bulldog on a grassy field last year, the first time in years. With his grey flat cap, shirt, and shorts on, the actor looked like a totally different performer than he did in his prime.
Michael discussed being a private person and how he handled the unwelcome press that came with such a high-profile position in an interview with TV Times in 2008. “I just ignored it and got on with my job,” he stated. “I had some fantastic on-screen partnerships with Pam, Lindsey, Patsy, and Michelle. It was demanding but rewarding work.” I learnt a lot while working on the show, and I will always cherish those memories.”
Additionally, in a 2001 interview with the Coventry Evening Telegraph, he disclosed his preferred way of passing the time off. I’m not fond of working 52 weeks a year. I enjoy traveling overseas and hanging out with my buddies. It enables you to approach every work feeling rejuvenated and not fatigued,” he clarified.
In addition to his time on EastEnders, Michael was a cast member of Casualty and its spin-off show Holby City from 1998 to 2000. He reprised the role in Casualty from 2006 until 2013. Following the departure of the original actors from the hospital, Holby City’s ratings began to drop, and the show terminated in 2022. In addition, he has acted in the television series Crime Traveller and Born and Bred. On stage, he has performed in the plays Chicago, The Sound of Music, and Sacred Heart.
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