David Calls Joe Wicks: Who Is He?

In the latest episode of EastEnders, fans were treated to a dose of nostalgia when David Wicks reached out to his long-absent son, Joe Wicks. This mention stirred curiosity as Joe, brother to Bianca and son of David and Lorraine, has been absent from Albert Square since 1997. With David rallying support around Bianca, could this signal a potential comeback for Joe?

Portrayed by Paul Nicholls, Joe made his debut in EastEnders back in March 1996. Initially living in Bolton, he often traversed to London in search of a better life away from his troubled beginnings. The tragic death of his sister Karen in a car accident weighed heavily on him; Joe felt responsible for her demise after a morning squabble over seating during the ill-fated trip. While Joe emerged with minor injuries, Karen’s death significantly impacted his mental health, leading him to Walford in search of his father.

Upon his arrival, David was less than welcoming, sending Joe home. This, however, did not deter Joe from returning, this time more determined to forge a relationship with his dad. Eventually, Lorraine moved to London, allowing Joe to make the momentous decision to stay with David. However, his journey was fraught with challenges, including battles with schizophrenia linked to his sister’s death. During this tumultuous period, Joe even attempted suicide and exhibited alarming behavior, such as hiding a dead cat in his room, which shocked David.

Things seemed to stabilize for Joe after he began receiving help from family and medical professionals. An engagement to Sarah Hills appeared to indicate a happier chapter, but a one-night stand with second cousin Mary Flaherty led to the engagement’s unraveling. This ignited questions about Joe’s readiness for commitment, leading him and Lorraine to leave the Square behind in 1997.

Recently, Joe was last in the public consciousness of EastEnders in 2021 when David mentioned him. During a visit with his mother, he revealed that Joe had been in a relationship but had ultimately lost touch. And now, it seems there might be a rekindling of this father-son bond, as David received a video call featuring his granddaughter Holly, who excitedly announced her graduation, with Joe making a surprise appearance.

The soap community is abuzz with speculation: Could Joe Wicks be poised for a return to the narrative fold of EastEnders? Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding this intriguing family saga. Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.