EastEnders is set to be rocked by a second rape storyline, when Dean Wicks strikes again and attacks girlfriend Roxy Mitchell.
Matt Di Angelo, who plays Dean, is set to leave the soap, but he’ll be going out with a bang.
In a shocking episode last year, Dean raped his brother Mick’s partner, Linda Carter.
Matt Di Angelo plays EastEnders rapist Dean Wicks (BBC)
Now, programme bosses are working alongside Rape Crisis to develop the new plot to screen in the next couple of months, the Daily Mirror has reported.
Dean and Roxy’s relationship has already been marked by his controlling behaviour, and he is set to attempt to rape his girlfriend, played by Rita Simons.
Dean, who could exit EastEnders early in 2016 around the time of Linda and Mick’s wedding, will face 'justice' before he goes, the BBC has promised.
EastEnders’ Linda Carter (BBC)
The show’s executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said: “There is justice. And how it’s meted out will be satisfying but shocking too.”
In September it was revealed that Danny Dyer had been fitted for a wetsuit so he could film a stunt in water, wtih speculation suggesting it may be a fight to the death with Dean.
The shock sex attack last year generated huge ratings for the show and led to numerous awards for Kellie Bright, who plays rape survivor Linda.
Rape Crisis, a charity which helps the survivors of rape and sexual violence, has given support to the storyline.
Matt Di Angelo as Dean Wicks (Kieron McCarron/BBC)
A spokeswoman said: “EastEnders has covered every other conceivable issue. If sexual violence or rape was the only big topic EastEnders never approached, it would reinforce the idea sexual violence is unspeakable.
“Because people relate to soaps they can have a social impact and make people feel less alone or encourage them to come forward and seek support for the first time.”
