{"id":42334,"date":"2023-12-21T19:25:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T18:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1894698"},"modified":"2023-12-21T22:41:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T21:41:49","slug":"is-dean-wicks-the-dead-body-in-eastenders-at-christmas-all-the-clues-and-theories","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/is-dean-wicks-the-dead-body-in-eastenders-at-christmas-all-the-clues-and-theories\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Dean Wicks the dead body in EastEnders at Christmas? All the clues and theories"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are we in store for an unwelcome return? <\/p>

By Laura Denby\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 21 December 2023 at 18:25 PM<\/p>

\n\n

His name cropped up just before EastEnders<\/a> aired its game-changing flashforward scene of a murder<\/a> on the way; and we\u2019ve not been able to forget about Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) since.<\/p>\n

The evil character departed the soap in 2016, after evading justice for raping Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and attempting to rape Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons).<\/p>\n

Then in October 2023, Linda got a horrible surprise on Halloween when Dean returned to Walford and revealed he was moving back to the area as the new business partner of the Beales at Beale\u2019s Eels.<\/p>\n

Adamant he was innocent of previous accusations against him, Dean has tormented Linda with his presence ever since.<\/p>

Is Dean Wicks the dead body in EastEnders at Christmas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Well, there are few reasons he could be\u2026<\/p>\n

Timely on-screen mention and return<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Matt\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Matt Di Angelo returned as Dean Wicks in 2023.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Just before we were given that memorable glimpse of EastEnders at Christmas 2023, Linda was in distress in the present, telling Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) that she had seen a photo of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), posted by Shirl\u2019s daughter Carly Wicks (Kellie Shirley).<\/p>\n

The image featured Dean in the background, despite Shirley having previously disowned Dean for everything he\u2019s done. Linda couldn\u2019t believe what she was seeing, and it seemed intentional that in the same episode, Linda was seen toasting that men who hurt women should \u201cget what they deserve\u201d.<\/p>\n

Then, just two months before the big Christmas death, Dean returned to Walford and has been tormenting Linda ever since.<\/p>\n

Speaking to RadioTimes.com<\/strong>, executive producer Chris Clenshaw confirmed<\/a> that one reason Dean was throughout back was his lack of comeuppance during his last stint.<\/p>\n

Clenshaw revealed: \u201cYeah, we always kind of knew we were going to bring him back for Linda\u2019s story this year.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, he\u2019s a character that has such a historical connection to the show. As we know, he didn\u2019t get his comeuppance.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think Linda\u2019s going to really struggle in the kind of wake of his return.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teasing how long Dean will be around, Chris notes: \u201cI mean, obviously, you know, we\u2019ve got the Six storyline, and we\u2019re kind of building up to quite a spectacular Christmas, and it will probably, therefore, come as no surprise that\u00a0Dean is a potential body at Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linda\u2019s split lip<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Kellie\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Kellie Bright as Linda Carter beside a photo of Lola Pearce on the Queen Vic bar in EastEnders.<\/span><\/figcaption> BBC<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Linda is seen in the flashforward sequence sporting a split lip, suggesting she has been in a fight or has been attacked. She\u2019s also the last of the six women to arrive at the bar, and looks the most frightened when we get a close view of her.<\/p>\n

There would certainly be no mourning for Dean amongst viewers, and EastEnders loves to look back on its history and has done a superb job of exploring the long-term effect Dean\u2019s actions have had on Linda and his recent actions have certainly gotten everyone talking.<\/p>\n

Army of survivors<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Thread ~ \ud83e\uddf5My theory on why Dean wicks is the Christmas body #Eastenders<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EbxD4TmIwI<\/a><\/p>\u2014 \ud83c\udf39\ud83e\ude75C\ud83e\ude75\ud83c\udf39 (@rose_symphony3) September 20, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>