EastEnders has announced the return of Lucas Johnson, one of its infamous antagonists. Later this year, actor Don Gilet will reprise his part and turn Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) life upside down once more.
He rekindled his friendship with daughter Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin), after a troubled history with addiction, when he first arrived in Albert Square in 2008. Being a priest, establishing relationships and becoming involved with Denise, all seemed rosy … That was before the murderous turn of things took place.
First, after rebuffing her romantic advances, he left his ex Trina Johnson (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) to die in an accident, then Denise ‘s ex Owen Turner (Lee Ross) died fatally after a botched extortion effort to send Lucas to the police for the murder of Trina.
Lucas’ scheming escalated after Denise eventually uncovered her then-husband ‘s villainous deeds, as he held her captive while secretly blaming her for the murders of Trina and Owen when well when faking her death. Lucas was eventually captured and arrested, having been incarcerated since 2010.
In 2016, when Denise went to visit him with Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker), the Holby City and Doctor Who star made a brief reappearance in the soap to insist that he never touch her again.
But how is she going to respond once more to his sudden arrival in Walford? What’s more, is Lucas going to learn the error of his ways, or are we going to prepare ourselves for another murdering streak?
Gilet said of his return: I am delighted and blessed to be asked to breathe life into such a dynamic, contentious and divisive character once again, yet, most importantly, to get another chance to work with one of the finest actors in the UK, Diane Parish, Blessed I feel.
Executive producer Jon Sen also said: “For some time now, getting Don back to the Square has been on our wish list as there is certainly some unfinished business with Lucas and he definitely did not let Denise go”
Executive producer Jon Sen also said: “For some time now, getting Don back to the Square has been on our wish list as there is certainly some unfinished business with Lucas and he surely did not let Denise go.”
With Walford’s greatest antagonists, his reign of terror put him right up there, and I can’t wait for fans to witness his comeback unfold.
News of the return of Lucas comes after Kate Oates, head of the BBC ‘s ongoing soap, made a major comeback in the run-up to Christmas.
