Matt Di Angelo's return as Dean Wicks

Matt Di Angelo has made his return to Albert Square in the soap's latest episode.

The actor's character Dean Wicks appeared back on screen in the closing moments of Friday night's visit to Walford (April 11).
Dean was seen lurking on the Square after dark, but remained unseen by his mother Shirley (Linda Henry) and uncle Mick (Danny Dyer) as they stood outside the Queen Vic.

Coincidentally, Dean's return came just as Shirley and Mick were reflecting on family, discussing how much Mick will miss his son Lee when the young soldier returns to the army.

EastEnders did not reveal that Dean would feature in the episode as they wanted the exact timing of his arrival to be a surprise.

Viewers won't have to wait long to see Dean again as he also features on screen next week.
EastEnders announced Dean's return in January and Di Angelo started filming again the following month.

Dean last appeared on screen in February 2008, when he left Walford after experiencing a tough time in prison.

Di Angelo said in January: "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!"

EastEnders' executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins 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."