Matt Di Angelo is to reprise his role as EastEnders' Dean Wicks.
Matt Di Angelo is to reprise his role as EastEnders' Dean Wicks
The evil character is to return to Albert Square after seven years, much to the horror of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who Dean raped in 2014, but Matt is delighted to be back in Walford.
He said: "It feels great to be back.
"I started at 'EastEnders' almost 18 years ago, which seems like a lifetime ago now.
"I haven’t been back for seven years, so I was thrilled to be asked again for the third time as I love the people and the show.
"It’s great to catch up with old friends, some of whom I’ve known since I was 18 years old, like Natalie Cassidy and Lacey Turner.
"I’m working really closely with Adam Woodyatt again, which is really great as he’s a really great guy.
"Without giving too much away, obviously, Dean will cross paths with Linda quite a bit and her new family, the Knights, who are all fantastic and awesome to work with."
Dean plans to make Albert Square his home again as he’s revealed as the Beales’ new business partner.
But Matt admitted his character didn't really want to return to Walford, but his hand has been forced because his daughter Jade - who has cystic fibrosis - is receiving treatment at the local hospital and awaiting a life-saving lung transplant.
He added: "In all honesty, he doesn’t want to come back to Walford.
"He’s sort of forced back there because his daughter, Jade is very ill.
"She has cystic fibrosis and needs a transplant, which has to be done at the hospital nearby.
"Dean has to live there so he’s on call for her appointments and in case the transplant comes through, and they need to move fast.
"He’s reluctant because he knows the repercussions of returning, but ultimately, he has to help his family.
"Dean also needs to make a living whilst he’s there, so he’s invested in a new business, which will be revealed as Cindy and Ian’s new pie and mash shop, Beale’s Eels."
Tagged in Lacey Turner Matt Di Angelo Natalie Cassidy