Don Gilet was "shocked but absolutely thrilled" to rejoin the 'EastEnders' cast.
Don Gilet
The 53-year-old actor - whose comeback as villain Lucas Johnson was confirmed in October - will be back on Christmas Day (25.12.20) on the BBC, and he's delighted to return to Albert Square.
Opening up on discussions with executive producer Jon Sen - which were held earlier this year - he said: "When he mooted the idea of a Lucas comeback I was shocked but absolutely thrilled, although I must confess I was attempting, probably badly, to play it cool!
"Outside I may have responded with 'Hmmm, yes, that sounds interesting, I'll give it some thought..' but unbeknownst to Jon, I was fist pumping to the extent I nearly gave myself tennis elbow!"
And the soap star - who enjoys getting to play a "complex villainous character - admitted news of his comeback hasn't meant people are flocking to him in the street for an autograph just yet.
He added: "Either no one knows yet or they're too scared to approach me, but as yet I'm still able to go to the shops for my basic provisions without raising any out-of-the-ordinary attention.
"Maybe after Christmas day things might be different, but I hope not!"
Don's priest-turned-serial killer alter ego will appear alongside on screen daughter Chelsea Fox - played by Zaraah Abrahams - and the actor heaped praise on his new co-star.
He said: "Zaraah is a breath of fresh air. Clever, instinctive and undoubtedly very talented, i.e. an ideal match for working with me [laughs] – though I would never tell her this, we need to keep these youngsters on their toes!"
Lucas was last seen in 2016 when Denise visited him in prison, and he was adamant he is absolved of his sins, but Denise Fox (Diane Parish) told him to never contact her again.