Matt Di Angelo is expecting a "punch" when his character Dean Wicks becomes a rapist on EastEnders.

The actor admits he was at first uncomfortable when writers told him where his story is headed with Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), and after committing to the plot he's expecting a backlash from viewers following the Monday, October 6 airing of the episode.

Matt Di Angelo as Dean Wicks / Credit: BBC

He explained: "If I have to get abuse on Twitter and a punch in the mouth I'm fine with that, as long as one person speaks out. I don't care if we get 100,000 complaints if it helps one person."

Being associated with the crime is going to be "tough" for Matt, though.

"Your face is recognisable as the character, so to be associated with that crime is tough. There are people out there who blur the lines between what's real and what's not."

Matt also believes it's the show's responsibility to tackle tough storylines such as this one that could help viewers who may have been through similar situations.

"I realised 'EastEnders' is an institution and with that great power comes a responsibility to address these kind of problems that women go through a lot."

Viewers will see Linda keep quiet about the rape until it's revealed that she is pregnant, in scenes that are expected to play a major part in a storyline that will run for some time.

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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