EastEnders fans only just realising Dean star Matt Di Angelo’s real name
EASTENDERS fans are only just realising Matt Di Angelo’s real name.
Matt, 37, who plays villain Dean Wicks in the BBC soap, adopted his stage name when he started acting in 2000.
His birth name is, in fact, Mario Angelo S Constantinou.
Matt, whose parents are of Irish and Greek descent, first appeared on the small screen in the role of Robbie in Harbour Lights, a 1999 BBC One drama.
It was there that he used the moniker, going on to keep it for subsequent jobs including I Dream, Strictly Come Dancing and Hustle.
While the reason for the name change remains unknown, it's common practice in the entertainment industry.
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Just last week, Matt revealed a major EastEnders character will return for the soap's 40th anniversary.
He said viewers are in store for some "big surprises."
When asked about the soap's upcoming anniversary, he told The Mirror: "I know quite a lot and I can't tell you who exactly - but when I found out, I was very surprised that they would come back."
Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick - who play Honey Mitchell and Jay Brown also gave an insight into what fans can expect from the upcoming episode.
"We just know Chris is going to have something very exciting planned as he always does. It is exciting. We’re all really proud we’re there and going to be a part of it," Emma told the Mirror.
Jamie added: "But we don’t know what it is! I think it’s so under lock and key that we don’t even know if those in the know, know! It’s under lock and key!"
The comments follow hints from EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw about the potential return of some major characters.
He told The Sun: "As we head towards our 40th year, I think the nostalgic element means a lot.
"Into the autumn and the end of the year, we’ve got quite a few treats coming up."
When asked whether any former stars could make a return to the BBC soap, he said: "Maybe. It all depends on the story and where the characters are.
"But it has to come from character, it has to come from story."
Eagle-eyed fans might already have spotted clues about who could return.
Asked if he had been planting hints in scripts, Chris added: “It would depend when they’re looking back from, but probably.
“The 40th has been in the works for quite some time and Christmas is well under way.
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“In the story office there is a board and it all connects.
“I compare it to a tapestry board, everything has to fit together.”
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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