EastEnders star Matt Di Angelo reveals REAL reason Dean is back in HUGE health twist

Dean Wicks in front of Beale's Eels.
EastEnders' Matt Di Angelo revealed the real reason behind Dean Wicks' return. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders star Matt Di Angelo has teased what brings villain Dean Wicks back to the Square as he reprises his role after seven years. 

Evil Dean aka Deano Wicks made a horrifying return to Walford during tonight's episode (Monday, October 30).

As the Halloween party got in full swing at the Vic, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) received a call from Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) about their new business partner for their pie and mash shop.

Ian told Cindy some shocking news after reviewing the contracts and seeing the name of their sleeping business partner.

While all of this was going down, a taxi pulled up in Walford and a smartly dressed mystery man stepped out and made his way upstairs in the Vic.

As Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) put her son Ollie Carter (Harry Farr) to bed, she went into the kitchen and was terrified when she came face-to-face with her rapist Dean, who warned Linda not to scream.

Linda Carter and Dean Wicks.

Dean raped Linda Carter in 2014. (Image credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Dean sexually assaulted Linda in 2014 was last seen in 2016 after being arrested for the attempted rape of Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons).

However, he managed to evade justice and his dad Buster Briggs (Karl Howman) paid him off, warning him to never return to Walford again.

Now with Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) no longer around, Dean has the gall to show his face again and Linda must contend with him being back on the Square and protesting his innocence to anybody who will listen.

However, Matt has revealed the real reason behind Dean's return, telling What To Watch that he is forced back to Walford as his daughter Jade, who he shares with Shabnam Masood (Rakhee Thakrar), is gravely ill.

Dean Wicks and Shabnam Masood.

Jade was born after a one night stand between Dean and Shabnam Masood. (Image credit: BBC/Steve Peskett)

He said: "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."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.

You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!

Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.