“I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reprise the role of Dean!”

Matt Di Angelo is reprise his EastEnders role of Dean(o) Wicks bosses have confirmed.

Viewers last saw Deano when he left Walford in 2008 after experiencing a tough time in prison that profoundly changed him. His arrival back in the Square will no doubt have huge implications for his estranged mother Shirley (Linda Henry) and the rest of the Carter clan.

Believing that her son is working in a bar in Australia, Shirley is shocked when her father Stan (Timothy West), informs her that her son is now going by the name ‘Dean’ and is actually a lot closer to home…

Since his 2008 departure Matt has appeared in various roles including, Hustle, Borgia and Death in Paradise.

Matt Di Angelo commented: “It’s such an exciting time for the show and the Carter/Wicks family that I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reprise the role of Dean! I’m looking forward to getting back on the Square.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer added: “Matt is a gorgeous, charming, talented actor and it’s fantastic that he’s agreed to come back to the Square. Deano left angry with his mother. The Dean who returns is angrier. Shirley has been secretly hoping for her son’s return. Let’s hope she doesn’t regret that.”

Matt begins filming on EastEnders in February.