EASTENDERS - Matt Di Angelo talks of upcoming rape storyline

EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo, who plays Dean Wicks, has spoken to Digital Spy about the upcoming plot where his character rapes Linda Carter.

Matt said that he felt the challenge was intimidating and wasn't nice to film - grateful when the producers allowed a closed set and six hours of rehearsal time - which is almost unheard of at EastEnders.

Viewers have seen Dean grow more obsessed with Linda, who is his secret on-screen brother's wife, over the last few weeks, resulting in his horrific attack on her.

Dean has already shocked Linda by trying to kiss her

Matt said, at last nights TV Choice Awards:

"We shot it about a month ago now and I'm going to watch it tomorrow afternoon. I haven't seen it yet, but the feedback from the director and the executive producer is that they're extremely happy with the episode, so I feel good that my boss is happy with my work. Initially it was a very intimidating storyline. It's a disgusting, scary thing and to have your face associated with that heinous crime is a challenge, but what I'm here for is to tell these meaningful stories and it is a job."

Dean may not face imprisonment for his crime, as the plot aims to mirror the injustice of rape in real life.  

Matt continued: "It's an important story and the statistics about rape are really, really shocking. People often aren't reporting rapes - I think 80% of rapes aren't reported. Around 20% are but only around 2% lead to prosecution and imprisonment. That's shocking and it needs to be spoken about. People are going to be shocked and upset with the story, but it brings attention to a very important subject so that's why we're doing it."

Dean will be deluded by the fact that he raped Linda, and doesn't think he's actually done anything wrong...

How Linda and the rest of the Carter clan will react to the attack is still unknown, but it looks as though things will never be the same for the family again.

What are your thoughts on this hard-hitting storyline?

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