Don Gilet is to reprise his role as villainous pastor Lucas Johnson on EastEnders later this year, it has been confirmed.

The character is set to wreak havoc for Denise (Diane Parish) when he returns to Walford, years after he framed her for murder and faked her suicide before being imprisoned.

Pastor Lucas - last seen in a prison visit in 2016 - arrives back on the square having been released from jail, but has he seen the error of his ways and become a genuinely changed man?

Speaking about his return, 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, to have another opportunity to work alongside one of the UK's finest actors, Diane Parish. I feel blessed."

Exec 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 continues Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.