Dean Wicks, also known as Deano, is a fictional character from the long-running British soap opera EastEnders. He is portrayed as a troubled young man with a complicated history, making him one of the more dynamic and controversial characters on the show. Played by actor Matt Di Angelo, Dean’s storylines have spanned issues of family loyalty, mental health, and criminal behavior, making him both a beloved and polarizing figure among fans.
Introduction to Dean Wicks
Dean Wicks was first introduced to EastEnders in January 2006 as the son of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) and the half-brother of Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). From the start, Dean’s character was portrayed as a charming yet troubled young man, often finding himself at odds with his family and the residents of Albert Square. His early storylines focused on his attempts to find his place within the chaotic environment of Walford, frequently leading to conflicts and dramatic situations.
Early Life and Character Background
Dean Wicks grew up largely estranged from his mother, Shirley, and was raised by his father, Kevin Wicks. This strained relationship with his mother contributed significantly to his character’s emotional turmoil and rebellious behavior. His arrival in Albert Square was marked by a desire to reconnect with his family, but his resentment towards Shirley and his struggle to adapt to the complex family dynamics often led to explosive confrontations.
Major Storylines and Character Development
Dean Wicks’ journey in EastEnders has been marked by several significant and controversial storylines. His character has gone through a dramatic evolution, from a misunderstood young man to a darker, more troubled individual.
Early Days and Family Drama
Initially, Dean was depicted as a likeable yet impulsive young man. He sought acceptance from his family but often acted out when things didn’t go his way. His relationships with his siblings, especially his sister Carly Wicks (Kellie Shirley), and his mother, Shirley, were central to his early storylines. The discovery of Shirley’s alcoholism and her abandonment of Dean and Carly when they were children added layers to Dean’s character, making him a sympathetic figure despite his flaws.
Business Ventures and Conflicts
Dean’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a beauty salon, Blades, in partnership with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons). This venture was a turning point for his character, highlighting his ambition but also his volatile nature. His professional life became intertwined with his personal issues, leading to conflicts that affected his business and relationships. His arrogance and inability to handle rejection contributed to his downward spiral, which became more apparent in subsequent storylines.
The Dark Turn: Sexual Assault Storyline
One of the most controversial and talked-about storylines involving Dean Wicks was the sexual assault of Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), his sister-in-law. This plotline was a turning point for the character and the show, as it addressed the sensitive issue of sexual violence within a family. The incident deeply affected the Carter family and led to Dean’s ostracization from the community. The portrayal of this storyline was both praised and criticized for its intensity and impact, and it marked Dean’s descent into a darker, more villainous role.
Return and Redemption Attempts
After a hiatus from the show, Dean Wicks returned to EastEnders in 2014, appearing as a changed man who sought redemption and a fresh start. However, his past actions continued to haunt him, and he struggled to gain the trust and forgiveness of those he had wronged. His relationship with his family remained strained, and his attempts at redemption were marred by further violent behavior and poor decisions.
His return to Walford was characterized by an internal conflict between his desire to change and his inability to escape his past. His storyline during this period explored themes of guilt, accountability, and the struggle for redemption, making Dean one of the more complex characters in the series.
Impact of Dean Wicks’ Character on EastEnders
Dean Wicks’ character had a significant impact on EastEnders, both in terms of the storylines he was involved in and the broader themes his character explored. His turbulent relationship with his family, particularly with Shirley and Mick Carter, added depth to the show’s portrayal of complicated family dynamics. His darker storylines, such as the sexual assault of Linda, pushed the boundaries of what the show traditionally covered and sparked conversations among viewers about the representation of sensitive issues in soap operas.
Reception and Controversy
Dean Wicks has been a controversial figure in EastEnders. His initial portrayal as a charming yet troubled young man earned him sympathy from viewers, but his later actions, particularly the sexual assault of Linda Carter, turned him into a more reviled character. The storyline was one of the most shocking in the show’s history, leading to polarized reactions from the audience and discussions about its handling of such a delicate subject.
Actor Matt Di Angelo’s performance was widely praised for its intensity and authenticity, especially during the challenging assault storyline. However, the character’s actions made him a divisive figure, with many viewers calling for his departure from the show due to the severity of his actions.
FAQs
Who is Dean Wicks?
Dean Wicks, also known as Deano, is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by actor Matt Di Angelo. He is a member of the Wicks family and the Carters by relation, making his first appearance in January 2006. Dean’s character is known for his complex and troubled nature, which has led to various intense storylines over the years, including issues with his family and conflicts with other residents of Albert Square. His storylines have often explored themes of family loyalty, personal struggle, and controversial behavior.
What is Dean Wicks’ relationship with Shirley Carter?
Dean Wicks is the son of Shirley Carter, played by Linda Henry. Their relationship is tumultuous, marked by long periods of estrangement and emotional conflict. Dean’s troubled upbringing, including Shirley’s absence during his childhood, has left deep scars, contributing to his complex personality and difficult relationship with his mother. Despite attempts at reconciliation, their relationship is often strained by Dean’s behavior and the dark turn his character takes in the series.
What happened between Dean Wicks and Linda Carter?
One of the most controversial storylines involving Dean Wicks was the sexual assault of Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright. This storyline took place in 2014 and had a significant impact on both the characters and the viewers of EastEnders. The assault occurred when Dean, who is Linda’s brother-in-law, attacked her in the Queen Vic pub’s upstairs area. This storyline was widely discussed for its intense portrayal of such a sensitive issue and led to Dean’s isolation from the Carter family and most of the community in Albert Square.
Why did Dean Wicks leave EastEnders?
Dean Wicks left EastEnders in 2016 following a series of dramatic events that culminated in a confrontation between him and his family. After his sexual assault on Linda Carter, Dean’s presence in Walford became increasingly difficult for his family and others in the community. His departure was marked by a tense showdown with his mother, Shirley Carter, and brother, Mick Carter, ultimately resulting in Dean being taken away by the police. His exit was a significant turning point for the Carter family and the show.
Did Dean Wicks ever return to EastEnders?
Dean Wicks made a return to EastEnders in 2014 after a period away from the show. His reappearance was part of a storyline that explored his attempts to redeem himself and start anew. However, his efforts were overshadowed by his subsequent actions, including the attack on Linda Carter, which further complicated his character and his place in the community. His return and eventual departure left a lasting impact on the Carter family and the overall narrative of the show.
What is Dean Wicks’ relationship with the Carter family?
Dean Wicks is a member of the Carter family through his mother, Shirley Carter. His relationships with his siblings, particularly Mick Carter (played by Danny Dyer), and his mother have been central to his storylines on EastEnders. The family dynamic is often fraught with tension, especially after the revelation of Shirley being his biological mother and his subsequent actions against the family. The Carters have struggled to cope with his behavior, and his assault on Linda Carter, Mick’s wife, created an irreparable rift within the family.
Conclusion
Dean Wicks is one of EastEnders’ most complex and controversial characters. From his troubled relationship with his mother to his attempts at redemption and ultimate downfall, his journey has been filled with dramatic highs and lows. Despite the controversies surrounding his character, Dean remains a significant figure in the show’s history, embodying the complexities of human behavior and the struggle for acceptance and redemption. His storylines have left a lasting impact on the show and its viewers, making him an unforgettable part of the EastEnders legacy.
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