12 March 2024 , 00:01
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EastEnders have hinted at a huge return as a new storyline takes shape on the BBC soap.
Dean Wicks arrived on the Square last October to be with his daughter Jade, who was receiving treatment at the local Walford hospital. His return left Linda Carter horrified and she struggled to cope with him back in the Square, turning to drinking and then with everything that happened in Walford at Christmas with Keanu, things got even worse for Linda.
Things are also not great for Dean, and on the Square next week, he is dealt a blow when he's told he can't come to Jade's fundraiser. Jean is keen for the Queen Vic to be the venue for the fundraiser, and Linda agrees on one condition - that Dean doesn't come. Jade ends up having a horrifying coughing fit and Jean calls the doctor, leaving Dean worried.
Could Shabnam be making a return? (BBC)His worries deepen when Jade gets a look at his phone. It reveals that he has been avoiding Shabnam's calls and text messages, which he later admits to and manages to persuade them there's no malice behind it all.
Jade is puzzled why Shabnam is adamant she needs to return to Pakistan, knowing that she's so unwell. Jade is completely unaware that it's Dean's meddling that is causing the trouble for her. Later, Johnny taunts Dean about not being able to go to Jade's fundraiser, which makes him even more adamant that he wants to be there.
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Jade struggles next week (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Jade begs Elaine to just let him in to see her speech, as they all wait for the big moment. Dean tells Jade he wants her to stay with him in London, but she insists she needs to be back with her mum in Pakistan. Linda is furious to see Dean there in the bar, and se rushes upstairs with Jean behind her. Realising that Dean is playing them, Jean rushes downstairs and orders Dean to leave.
Back when he joined the soap, Matt Di Angelo - who plays Dean - teased trouble was ahead for him and the residents. He said: "Dean is back in Walford to help his daughter Jade, but to do that, he needs to make a living and be part of the community. I think the biggest challenge is going to be facing the residents of Walford, as everyone has very strong opinions on Dean, and rightly so."
Some fans have been speculating the constant mentions of Shabnam could mean she is on her way back to Walford, whilst others are convinced she could arrive and take Jade back with her, leaving no real reason for Dean to be in the Square. Could this storyline end with a triple exit for all involved - or what twists and turns are ahead?
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