EastEnders Dean star reveals ‘deal breaker’ on soap after ‘blagging it’ during first stint
EastEnders fans were over the moon when Dean Wicks, played by Matt Di Angelo, returned for the first time in 2014 - but it turns out he had a ‘deal breaker’ for the soap’s bosses
EastEnders’ Matt Di Angelo has shared the ‘deal breaker’ he had for bosses ahead of his return.
The actor is best known for playing Dean Wicks in the BBC One soap – making his debut in 2006. Matt was just 18 when he rocked up to Walford as Dean – and quickly became a favourite with fans.
However, in 2007, it was revealed that Matt was leaving the soap. At the time, he dubbed his departure as a “shock” – and his exit scenes were aired the following year.
Keeping himself busy, in 2007 he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing where he and pro partner Flavia Cacace came in third place. He also bagged roles in shows like Casualty and Doctor Who.
However, in 2014, it was confirmed that Matt was coming back to EastEnders as Dean. And it turns out he had a “deal breaker” when it came to his return.
Speaking about his return after seven years, Matt confessed he was “blagging it” during his first stint. He said: “I don’t think I did all that well my first time there.
“I’m not particularly proud of anything – but it was my first big job. I was a teenager and just blagging it.” He added to the Sun TV Mag: “I’d like to think I’ve done some learning over the past seven years and can feel a bit more confident now.”
Matt also shared how this time around, he told producers it was a deal breaker that they dropped the ‘o’ from Dean’s previous nickname, Deano. He also revealed he blew his hefty soap wage on a lush Porsche for his mum, but confessed he ended up crashing it a “few” times.
Sadly though, Matt ended up leaving EastEnders again in 2016. But seven years later, the actor made another comeback as Dean in 2023 – and he’s been causing drama ever since.
Whilst he’s become known for his acting name Matt Di Angelo, his real name is slightly different. Born in 1987, his real name is Mario Angelo S Constantinou with his name reflective of his Irish and Greek parents.
Matt grew up in Enfield, London and attended Southgate School. He later attended the infamous Sylvia Young Theatre School, before landing his roles in BBC’s The Hustle and EastEnders.
