EastEnders FIRST LOOK: Lucas Johnson returns in shock as Denise Fox turns to her killer, jailed ex-husband after struggling to cope with Keanu's death

Lucas Johnson will make his EastEnders return in Thursday's upcoming episode.

Fans were left with their 'jaws on the floor' after Denise Fox's serial killer ex-husband, played by Don Gilet, was briefly seen at the end of Wednesday's show.

In Thursday's episode, the two come face to face during a visit as Denise turns to him for support following the cover-up of Keanu Reeve's Christmas Day murder.

Denise (Diane Parish) struggles to cope after Keanu was murdered by Linda Carter in the Queen Vic.

She has had terrible flashbacks, fearing she could be linked to the crime after her 'D' necklace was accidentally buried next to Keanu's body.

The first images show that Denise looks tense, while Lucas seems worried.

On Wednesday's show, the exes' reunion was teased by Lucas asking her: 'What are you doing here?'.

Viewers were shocked to see Denise seek help from former preacher Lucas, as he made her life a living hell when he imprisoned her, claiming she was murdered in an attempt to cover up his own crimes, before she was jailed thrown.

He then made a brief return to the soap in 2020 but was arrested again after being caught with drugs by police.

It was a twist that left many viewers completely stunned, with some quickly turning to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their reaction.

One shared: 'Didn't see that #DufDuf coming. No idea they would come back. I love it when #EastEnders throws a surprise return at you that they've kept secret and haven't published.'

A second said: 'OMG I didn't expect that at all – brilliant episode overall!'

Fans were left with their 'jaws on the floor' after Denise Fox's serial killer ex-husband was briefly seen at the end of Wednesday's show

The first images show that Denise looks tense, while Lucas seems worried

In Thursday's episode, the two come face to face during a visit with Denise, in an attempt to seek some clarity on the events of Christmas Day.

The final episode also featured a surprise appearance from Keanu Taylor, as Denise Fox was plagued by visions of him after he was murdered on Christmas Day.

It was a twist that left many viewers completely stunned, with some quickly taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their reaction

While Denise is struggling, her husband Jack Branning is not supporting him. Instead, he begins a steamy affair with Stacey Slater.

Denise struggles to cope with the threat that Nish will go to the police and reveal who was behind Keanu's death.

And while Denise is going through tough times, her husband Jack Branning has far from been supportive, instead embarking on a steamy affair with Stacey Slater.

During Tuesday night's show, Jack (Scott Maslen) ended up in bed with Stacey (Lacey). Turner), six weeks after they shared a passionate kiss.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer