David Gillespie is returning to ‘EastEnders’ after 34 years.
David Gillespie and Letitia Dean amid his return to EastEnders
Vicar Duncan Boyd will be reunited with his former flame Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) after he departed Albert Square in 1989 after two years to move to pastures new in Wiltshire.
It followed their romantic dalliance that began as Sharon took refuge in his church amid her parents Den and Angie Watts’ infamous furious fighting.
The 65-year-old actor said: "I have to say what a pleasure it was being back in 'EastEnders' 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 [Taylforth] but I was made to feel instantly at home by such a wonderful cast and great crew - lots of new friends. Fabulous!"
'EastEnders' boss Chris Clenshaw labelled Duncan reprising his role as “wonderful”, as the character gears up to appear in three episodes to perform the christening of Sharon’s son Albie, who she has with Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).
Executive producer Chris said: "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."
The long-running BBC One soap saw a wave of classic characters like Colin Russell, Mary ‘The Punk’ Smith and George ‘Lofty’ Holloway - played by Lord Michael Cashman, Linda Davidson and Tom Watt respectively - come home for the funeral of beloved matriarch Dot Branning (June Brown) last October.
At the time, Chris said: "It’s an honour to invite so many of Walford’s beloved characters back to pay tribute to Dot.
"Over the years, Dot profoundly impacted the lives of many young people struggling with life’s biggest challenges.
"Her warmth, heart and compassion changed lives – so we wanted to reunite some of the people she helped the most. I’m thrilled these talented and generous actors wanted to share this special experience with us so we can give Dot a fitting send-off."
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