EastEnders confirms the return of ICONIC character set to cause havoc for Sharon

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders
EastEnders has announced there is a familiar face returning to the soap. (Image credit: BBC)

A face from Sharon's past is heading back to Walford and EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has confirmed that they will be causing trouble between Sharon and new flame, Keanu. 

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) has been living in Albert Square for more than three decades, so there is no shortage of familiar faces that could come back to rock her world... but after almost 34 years since he last stepped foot in Albert Square, David Gillespie is on his way back to Walford as Duncan Boyd.

Long-time fans of EastEnders will remember that Duncan first appeared on our screens back in 1987 as the curate of the local Church who soon became involved with Sharon. 

Sharon developed feelings for Duncan and the pair were even engaged to be married until Sharon called off the nuptials when Duncan was offered a new job at a parish in Wiltshire.

David is set to reprise his historic role for a short stint this month when Duncan returns to The Square to unknowingly officiate little Albie’s christening. 

Duncan is set to be stunned when he arrives in The Vic and quickly realises that his former flame, Sharon, is the little boy’s mother.

David Gillespie returns to EastEnders as Duncan Boyd - seen here standing in the Vic in a leather jacket next to a smiling Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts)

David Gillespie will return to EastEnders as Duncan Boyd later this month.  (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders has confirmed that although Duncan’s time in Walford is short-lived, his arrival is sure to ruffle feathers as his past romantic history with Sharon comes to light.

After returning to EastEnders after so many years, David Gillespie said: "I have to say what a pleasure it was being back and reviving my role as Duncan after over 30 years of leaving the show — a little strange at first but 'nice strange'. The only people I knew were my old mates Letitia and Gillian but I was made to feel instantly at home by such a wonderful cast and great crew — lots of new friends. Fabulous!”

David Gillespie returns to EastEnders as Duncan Boyd - seen here standing in the Vic in a leather jacket

Duncan Boyd will cause trouble for Sharon and Keanu.  (Image credit: BBC)

Speaking of his decision to bring the character of Duncan back, Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, added: "It’s wonderful to welcome David back to the role of Duncan Boyd. Although we haven’t seen Duncan for over three decades, his character shares a romantic history with one of the show’s iconic matriarchs, Sharon. We’re delighted to have him back for a short while as he unknowingly stirs up drama between the happy couple."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

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.