You do have a point there; it can feel a bit "watch behind your fingers" moments at times. But there is a part of Ian who likes strong women, women who don't take things lying down. And he has form: Mel, Cindy, now Denise. Even Kathy, his mother, was no wallflower. Some men like their women like that (not sure if any similie is appropriate here(!!)). Right now, he still feels vulnerable after his breakdown and Denise is probably what he needs to help him get back on his feet.

Anyone remember when Ian tells Jane she is grounded?

I'm immensely looking forward to David's return and although only heard little scraps so far, I'm extremely positive so far.

Although he was only back for two weeks last time, for me the continuity was spot on to what I remember him and his relationships and character being in the 90's when I was pretty obsessed with him. I loved his interactions with Carol on screen in his 2012 return, it was a delight to watch two amazing actors have an enthralling dynamic, and for me anyway, it carried off where it literally left of in the 90's. I'm looking forward to his scenes with Bianca, Ian et al too. he's got a rich history with the show and many characters.

Re Ian and his women. I think it's just one of those things in real life where you know a beautiful and charming woman and then meet her husband and think "....really? How did you ever manage to pull her?". Love is blind. I'm not sure if they'll be a couple forever, but I guess it makes sense for them to have bonded at an emotional time.

Haha! No, I don't remember, but I wouldn't put it past him, the cheeky git!

Michael French lit up the screen in every scene he was in when he returned for those 2 weeks, so I think this time will be no exception.

I'm also one of the 'die hard' David Wicks fans, I had a MASSIVE crush on him in the 90's, and am already very excited by his return.

The look Ian gave David when he walked into Carol's front room last time when he was saying hello to everyone was priceless.

I can't wait to see his interactions with everyone.

Haha! Yes, I remember that! He just ignored him like a sulky child. That was ace.

I'm glad there's a few of us 'die hard fans' from the 90's! Makes me feel less old

Why would Ian want anything to do with that braindead banshee?

It was a brilliant scene. Haha.

Oh I've always had a soft spot for Mr Wicks. The suaveness on that man.

He can't stay angry forever, they need some sort of closure and development its been 16-17 years?

I hope David's return is a success, what worries me though is look what happened with Kat and Sharon, both were dominant forces in there eras...Sharon in the 90s and Kat in the 00s but Kat is only now being restored and Sharon well I think we can all see what is happening there. Ronnie's return has worked our brilliantly but she only left 2 years ago so it wasn't as difficult, my hope for David is he can slot back in easily as he has the Jacksons and history with the Beales, Brannings and you could say the Mitchells as well. The 2 weeks he was back after Pat's death was great however I recall that alot of the old writers were involved in those episodes, I am confident it will go well and at least we have DTC in charge now.

So just because Denise is beautiful, Ian shouldn't have a chance? Didn't think you were that shallow Val!

Maybe Denise sees more in Ian than just looks and I'm not talking about his bank balance either.

I do think that some people get Ian all wrong, he's actually a really sensitive loving person.

Is there any aspect of Eastenders, past or present that you do like? Your posts always seem so negative about it. Don't get me wrong, the show is in a bad place, even the most die hard fan would admit that. But there is still many things good about it, particularly the fact it boasts one of the finest casts across all soaps. Yes there is the odd cast member who could do with a bit more acting coaching, but the majority are superb for soap acting.

It's not just looks, she is a lovely woman and Ian, well he's just a slimeball. besides there's no love there. Ian just likes a trophy wife and Denise is settling for companionship.

I don't think there is anything wrong with Denise wanting a bit of companionship, but I think it would have to be more than that. She does like Ian, I don't think she'd lead him on if he didn't. Yes there are parts of his personality that irritate her, but she does seem intent on working at their relationship.

I'm not sure in Ians case that it's just about wanting a trophy wife. That was certainly the case with Mel and probably Cindy, Laura was just for convenience there is no doubt about that. But with Jane and Denise he genuinely seems to care for them.

I think it helps that Denise was Ians friend first, they built up a level of trust and camaraderie and went from there.

Since the breakdown, Ian has been more vulnerable, i'm not sure he would get into a relationship lightly. I think that the fact he knows Denise would not treat him poorly has enabled him to be more relaxed around her.

Out of all of Ians wives and girlfriends, Denise actually seems the only one who wants Ian for him and is not with him out of some pretence, for his money or for his ready made family.

EE - David Returning

Old famous saying "you should never go back"

There wasn't a lot of time to go into it during his week-long return, but there was a notable emphasis on the awkwardness between David and Ian when he finally turned up at Pat's the night she died. They kept looking at one another through the corner of their eyes but never looked at one another properly; David just said something like 'Ian...' and then left the room after a few seconds. I remember that scene quite well because I thought it was fairly realistic; neither would really want to see the other, but given the circumstances they wouldn't want to cause a scene.

Hopefully they can build bridges now David's back for a longer period of time, but knowing Ian perhaps not. Still, it'll be interesting to see how Cindy's kids are around David.

The shows Saviour!

Well said! I totally agree.