EastEnders' Dean Wicks life off screen from real name to Strictly 'curse'
Fans of the hit BBC soap EastEnders are in for a treat as the character Dean Wicks, played by the talented Matt Di Angelo, is set to return to the show. Dean, who was known for his bad-boy persona and involvement in some of the show's most brutal storylines, has been off our screens for a while.
But now, the 36-year-old actor is back and ready to cause chaos in Albert Square once again. Matt Di Angelo has secured a string of TV roles over the years, including regular roles in Hustle and Ordinary Lies. However, it is his portrayal of Dean that has left a lasting impression on EastEnders fans. He first arrived on the show in 2006 and quickly became a fan favourite. His shock exit two years later left fans devastated, but in 2014, he made a triumphant return.
He was involved in some of the show's most brutal storylines including one that saw him rape Linda Carter at the Queen Vic on Christmas Day in 2014. The story left viewers horrified and distraught as they watched Linda struggle in the months after the attack and report the attack to the police.
Matt's character Dean was known for his bad-boy persona and involvement in some of the show's most brutal storylines (We Love TV)Viewers were even more horrified when the charges against Dean were shockingly dropped. This allowed him to continue taunting Linda in Albert Square until his last scene in 2016.
Of course, actor Matt's life is a world away from that of his even character. Here, The Mirror takes a look at the star's life away from the soap...
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Real name
Not many people know that Matt Di Angelo's real name is Mario Angelo S Constantinou, which reflects his Irish and Greek heritage. Born in 1987 in Enfield, London, Matt attended Southgate School before joining the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School. His training at the theatre school helped him secure major roles in BBC's The Hustle and EastEnders.
Matt's training at the theatre school helped him secure major roles in BBC's The Hustle and EastEnders (BBC/Indiria Cesarine/Kudos)Strictly drama
Matt Di Angelo was once a fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2007 and his romantic flirtings with his dance partner Flavia Cacace were the talk of the town. Their romance was one of the show's first 'scandals', with Flavia splitting from her long-term boyfriend Vincent Simone early in the series. The chemistry between Matt and Flavia was noticeable, and they grew closer as they edged closer to the Glitterball.
Matt denied any involvement in Vincent and Flavia's split, saying he only pursued her when he was sure she was single. Speaking to the Mirror at the time, Matt gushed about Flavia's beauty. He said: "I've never felt like this before. When I'm with her I have a stupid, schoolboy grin that says, 'I think you're amazing'. Being with her makes me very happy.
Matt and Flavia's romance was called one of the first Strictly Come Dancing infamous ‘scandals’ (UK Press via Getty Images)
Matt was smitten with Flavia (Popperfoto via Getty Images)"I love her little pixie ears, her chic short hair, her transfixing smile. And that body, that six-pack. She's stupidly attractive. Every guy in Britain knows it. She looks drop-dead gorgeous in her dancing outfits. But to me, she's just as amazing when her face is scrubbed clean of make-up and she's wearing baggy tracksuit bottoms."
Matt and Flavia's relationship continued for three years, until they eventually split (BBC)
Vincent Simone (pictured) said he was infuriated by Matt's onscreen flirting and late night phone calls to Flavia (Getty Images)Matt, who was only 20 at the time, eight years younger than Flavia, came second to Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler in the competition. Despite his loss, Matt and Flavia's relationship continued to thrive for three years, until they eventually split due to work schedules. Flavia told The Sun at the time: "We have broken up. It was due to our work - travelling so much and being away from home so much. We are still in touch and very good friends."
New Father
Matt made headlines again last year after some exciting news about his personal life. Last August, the dashing soap star became a father for the first time, and not just to one, but two adorable babies - a boy and a girl, with his beautiful wife, Sophia Parry. After being married for just over a year, the couple announced the arrival of their twins on social media, and fans couldn't be happier for the new parents.
Matt and his wife Sophia Parry announced the arrival of their twins on social media (mattdiangelo/instagram)Matt took to Instagram to share the exciting news, stating that his wife had given birth to two healthy babies, and he was already struggling with the steriliser in the kitchen. The proud father went on to reveal the names of his "dynamic duo," Raphael and Daphne, while Sophia shared their full names, Daphne Demitra Constantinou and Raphael Errol Constantinou.
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