EastEnders fans THRILLED as Walford's most notorious KILLER returns

(Image credit: BBC)

Lucas Johnson's reign of terror is far from over...

EastEnders villain Lucas Johnson is set to return to Walford, and fans couldn't be happier.

While viewers are excited to see what drama Lucas will be bringing to the Square when he returns, he definitely won't be getting a warm welcome from Walford residents.

Before leaving the Square to go to prison four years ago, Lucas's cemented his soap villain status by striking the fear into everyone who crossed paths with him.

Get the Scoop on Lucas Johnson's manic meltdown — He's back! The most terrifying pastor to step foot in Walford is making a comeback (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC)

From friendly priest to cold blooded killer

Despite arriving in Walford as a holier-than-thou pastor, Lucas soon showed his true colours after getting engaged to Denise Fox.

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Not only did he let his ex, Trina, die, he also let Denise's ex, Owen, come to a tragic end.

But after Lucas and Denise tied the knot, Lucas's scheming went to another level when he framed her for the murders before faking her suicide.

As her friends and family in Walford mourned Denise's death, EastEnders fans will remember that the evil priest actually had her held hostage in a basement next door to her house on the Square.

Lucas and Denise EastEnders — Evil Lucas made Denise's life a living hell (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC)

Nightmare before Christmas for Denise?

Despite going to prison for his crimes, Lucas has always had a hold over Denise, but how will she feel to see him back in her life after all this time?

Will prison have changed Lucas? Will he have finally seen the error of his ways? Or has his reign of terror only just begun?

Fans can't wait to find out...

Speaking of his return to EastEnders, actor Don Gilet said: "I’m thrilled and honoured to be asked to breathe life once again into such a complex, controversial and divisive character.

"But, most importantly, I'm thrilled to have another opportunity to work alongside one of the UK’s finest actors, Diane Parish. I feel blessed"

EastEnders Lucas Johnson plot offends viewers — EastEnders fans can't wait to see Lucas Johnson back in Walford (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders Executive Producer Jon Sen added: "Bringing back Don to the Square has been on our wish list for some time now as there’s definitely some unfinished business with Lucas and he certainly hasn’t let Denise go.

"His reign of terror put him firmly up there with Walford’s biggest villains and I can’t wait for audiences to watch his return unfold."

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.