Dean Wicks, also known as Deano Wicks, is a character from the long-running British soap opera EastEnders. Over the years, Dean has become a central figure in some of the show’s most dramatic storylines. Introduced as the rebellious son of Shirley Carter and Kevin Wicks, Dean has been part of EastEnders on and off since his debut in 2006. His time in the show has seen him undergo a significant transformation, from a carefree youngster to a more sinister figure with complex motivations.
In this article, we’ll explore the background of Dean Wicks, his major storylines, and the impact his character has had on EastEnders. We will also address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and popular searches about the character.
The Introduction of Dean Wicks
Dean Wicks, played by actor Matt Di Angelo, was first introduced to EastEnders viewers in January 2006. He is the son of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and Kevin Wicks (Phil Daniels), though Kevin is not his biological father. His half-sister is Carly Wicks (Kellie Shirley), and he is also part of the extensive Carter family, which includes Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), who plays a prominent role in the show.
Dean was initially presented as a cheeky, fun-loving character, known for getting into trouble but largely being a good-hearted person. His relationship with his family, especially his mother Shirley, has been tumultuous and forms a key part of his character development.
Early Storylines and Departure
Dean’s early storylines were mostly light-hearted, including working at the local salon and getting involved in romantic relationships with several female characters in Albert Square. He also had a strained relationship with his mother, Shirley, after discovering she had abandoned him and Carly as children. This dynamic contributed to some of the tensions and drama in the Wicks/Carter family.
One of Dean’s notable early storylines involved him competing in a local talent show, which resulted in some comedic moments. However, his departure from the show in 2008 came after a series of events led to his character being written out. Dean was falsely accused of assaulting Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin) and was subsequently imprisoned. Though later released, Dean left Albert Square to escape his troubled past.
Dean Wicks’ Return: A Darker Side
In 2014, Dean Wicks returned to EastEnders in a significantly darker storyline. Upon his return, viewers immediately noticed a change in his character. The once carefree Dean had grown bitter and emotionally complex due to his past experiences. He re-entered Albert Square with a darker edge, and his actions soon led to some of the soap’s most controversial and intense plotlines.
The Sexual Assault Storyline
One of the most talked-about and disturbing storylines involving Dean Wicks was the sexual assault of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Mick Carter’s wife, in 2014. This storyline was highly controversial and garnered widespread attention due to its sensitive subject matter. The scenes were intense, and EastEnders worked closely with Rape Crisis, a charity supporting survivors of sexual violence, to ensure the storyline was handled as sensitively and accurately as possible.
This event marked a major turning point for Dean’s character. His actions alienated him from the rest of the Carter family, and Mick, who had always viewed Dean as a brother, turned against him. The assault storyline had long-lasting effects on Linda’s character and deeply impacted her relationships with those around her, particularly Mick.
Dean’s Relationship with Shirley
Another significant aspect of Dean’s time in EastEnders is his complex and often strained relationship with his mother, Shirley. Shirley initially supported Dean, believing in his innocence after Linda’s accusation. However, as the truth about Dean’s actions came to light, even Shirley could no longer defend her son.
Dean’s relationship with his family deteriorated rapidly as he became more isolated and volatile. His descent into darker territory saw him becoming increasingly violent and manipulative, which eventually led to his downfall.
Dean Wicks’ Final Departure
Dean Wicks’ final departure from EastEnders came in 2016 after an explosive confrontation with Mick Carter and the rest of the family. Dean’s increasingly erratic behavior culminated in a showdown at The Queen Vic, the iconic pub in EastEnders, which saw him nearly drowning Mick during a fight. The storyline ended with Dean fleeing Walford, leaving his fate uncertain.
Although there have been no official confirmations of Dean Wicks’ return to EastEnders, his departure left enough unresolved issues that a potential future comeback is always a possibility in the world of soap operas.
Dean Wicks’ Impact on EastEnders
Dean Wicks was a pivotal character in some of EastEnders‘ most intense storylines, and his transformation from a charming, cheeky young man to a dark and deeply flawed individual made him a complex figure in the soap. His storylines dealt with difficult themes such as abandonment, sexual assault, and family conflict, which left a lasting impact on both the characters within the show and its viewers.
The character’s arc allowed EastEnders to explore important and controversial issues, sparking conversations among fans and drawing attention to the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence. Though Dean’s departure may have closed a chapter in EastEnders, the lingering effects of his actions are still felt in the show, particularly in the Carter family.
FAQs
Who plays Dean Wicks in EastEnders?
Dean Wicks is portrayed by British actor Matt Di Angelo. He first appeared on the show in 2006 and returned in 2014 for a darker storyline before leaving again in 2016.
Is Dean Wicks Shirley Carter’s son?
Yes, Dean Wicks is Shirley Carter’s son. However, he was raised by Kevin Wicks, who he believed to be his father. It was later revealed that Kevin was not his biological father.
What happened between Dean Wicks and Linda Carter?
In 2014, Dean Wicks sexually assaulted Linda Carter, which became one of the most controversial storylines in EastEnders. The event had a long-lasting impact on Linda and her family, and it caused Dean to become estranged from the Carters.
Why did Dean Wicks leave EastEnders?
Dean Wicks left EastEnders in 2016 after a series of events that culminated in a physical altercation with Mick Carter. After nearly drowning Mick in a fight, Dean fled Albert Square, and his fate was left uncertain.
Could Dean Wicks return to EastEnders?
There has been no official confirmation that Dean Wicks will return to EastEnders, but given the unresolved nature of his departure, it is possible that the character could make a comeback in the future.
What are Dean Wicks’ major storylines in EastEnders?
Dean Wicks’ major storylines include his rocky relationship with his mother Shirley, his sexual assault of Linda Carter, and his eventual estrangement from the Carter family. His character’s transformation from a fun-loving youth to a darker, troubled man was a key arc in the show.
What was Dean Wicks’ relationship with Mick Carter?
Dean Wicks and Mick Carter initially had a close relationship, with Mick viewing Dean as a brother. However, their relationship deteriorated after Dean’s assault on Linda, Mick’s wife. This led to a bitter feud between the two characters, culminating in a violent confrontation.
Conclusion
Dean was a character that left a significant mark on EastEnders, not just because of his complex relationships with his family, but also due to the intense and controversial storylines he was involved in. From his light-hearted beginnings to his dark and troubling final days in Albert Square, Dean’s journey was filled with drama, conflict, and emotion. His actions have had lasting consequences on the characters he interacted with, particularly the Carter family.
Though Dean’s future on the show remains uncertain, his past continues to influence ongoing storylines, making him a memorable figure in EastEnders’ long and storied history. Whether or not Dean Wicks returns, his impact on the soap is undeniable.
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