EASTENDERS’ Patrick Trueman will find himself in grave danger in the new year as he tries to protect Denise Fox from her serial killer ex Lucas Johnson.
Denise will come face-to-face with her murdering ex husband Lucas during an epic Christmas day episode.
And now it has been revealed that Patrick’s efforts to protect Denise will take a disastrous turn in the new year, leaving Denise furious and Patrick heartbroken.
A knock at the door will then leave Patrick in grave danger.
Is it Lucas back for revenge?
Patrick will discover that Lucas has returned this week on the soap – and spring into action.
Patrick grows determined to track down Lucas and warn him to keep away from Denise, but ends up seeking help from Jack Branning to carry out his plan.
But it’s looking like Jack refuses to get involved as viewers will see Patrick turn to Phil for help, who then pays a henchman to attack Lucas and show him who’s boss.
Could Phil’s plan end up backfiring on Patrick?
Viewers know that Lucas was locked up in 2016 after his reign of terror in the Square saw five residents lose their lives.
Lucas later framed Denise for the murders before faking her suicide and locking her in a basement for months before she managed to escape and eventually expose his crimes.
Speaking about his return, actor Don told The Sun Online: “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.”
He added: “I feel blessed.”
EastEnders’ executive 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.”
