Rapist Dean Wicks left for dead after shock fight in EastEnders

SOAP viewers have suspected a huge death twist ahead for Dean Wicks following his bombshell return.

And they may be proven right next week in EastEnders as the rapist is left at death's door after an explosive altercation.

Matt Di Angelo reprised his role in the BBC One soap in time to give viewers, and more particularly Linda Carter, a huge fright for Halloween.

But in the midst of his return, he was revealed to be Cindy Beale's new business partner and they've decided to open a pie and mash shop.

Despite the protests of residents around her, including those from her two daughters Anna and Gina, Cindy has had no choice but to go ahead with the business.

Coming up next week, it’s launch day for the Beales’ pie and mash shop, but Dean is furious to see the word "rapist" written in graffiti across the window - a reference to a crime he committed during his last stint in Walford.

Certain that it’s down to Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Dean has a nasty confrontation with her and the Knights in front of a crowd where he states he can sue the landlady for slander.

As regular viewers of the London-based drama will remember, Dean was never convicted for raping Linda, meaning she runs the risk of heavy legal repercussions, despite her really being his victim.

Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and George Knight (Colin Salmon) are worried legal action could result in her losing the pub.

After seeking advice from Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Linda reluctantly goes to strike a truce with Dean.

When her efforts to cool the situation fail, Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Cindy (Michelle Collins) demand that Dean back down or their business will never take off.

But during a tense stand-off upstairs at The Vic, George lashes out at Dean, who falls down the stairs and lies motionless at the bottom.

Linda, George and Cindy are in shock as they rush to Dean - will he survive?

Could the former boxing champion have killed Dean?

Soap watchers theorised that Dean could be the unknown male victim at the centre of this year's Christmas murder mystery.

Many theories emerged about Linda finally getting her revenge against her rapist with the help of Sharon Watts, Suki Panesar, Kathy Beale, Denise Fox and Dean's former lover Stacey Slater.

But could Dean have been a red herring all along?

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.