Matt Di Angelo returning to EastEnders

Matt Di Angelo is coming back to EastEnders later this year.

The actor – who played Deano Wicks on the BBC soap between January 2006 and February 2008 – will return to filming in February.

Fans of EastEnders last saw Deano as he left Walford after rejecting his mother Shirley (Linda Henry) following a tough period in prison.

Shirley currently thinks that her son is living in Australia with his girlfriend, but will soon discover that he now goes by the name of Dean and is far closer to home than she thinks.

Speaking of his return, Di Angelo said: “It’s such an exciting time for the show and the Carter/Wicks family that I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reprise the role of Dean! I’m looking forward to getting back on the Square.”

EastEnders‘ executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: “Matt is a gorgeous, charming, talented actor and it’s fantastic that he’s agreed to come back to the Square. Deano left angry with his mother. The Dean who returns is angrier. Shirley has been secretly hoping for her son’s return. Let’s hope she doesn’t regret that.”

Since leaving the BBC soap six years ago, Di Angelo has gone on to star in Hustle, Borgia and Death in Paradise.

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights on BBC One, with an extra Wednesday episode airing tonight (January 15) at 8pm.

Remind yourself of the hotness of Matt Di Angelo by watching his Strictly salsa below:

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWh2wrlnBRU[/youtube]