A really good episode tonight. I do wonder whether Dean is meant to be looking guilty because of him thinking that he was the one Linda cheated on Mick with...I still don't think it's because he realises what he actually did.

Linda has spent hours going over what happened, wondering if she did something to lead Dean on or encourage him, believing the rape was at least partially her fault. I think Dean has spent just as much time going over everything trying to convince himself that it was a consensual fling. But given his reaction to Stacey in the cafe today, Dean knows on some level that what he did was not right and that he's hurt Linda.

I think that's also why he'll be confronting Linda and crashing the Carter Christmas drunk later this week. Sure, he likes Stacey a lot and her rejection hurts, but I don't think he'd go to such lengths to make things right with her if he hadn't done something so horrific to Linda.

I'm not sure I liked Dean's reaction to Stacey asking him about Linda in the café because it makes him all stereotypical again and I was finding the delusional angle really interesting. I would have preferred him to give Stacey his version of events - namely that Linda and he had too much to drink and slept together but it was before him and Stacey. He promised not to tell anyone and kept away but Linda still feels guilty and there's awkwardness between them. Then Stacey would really think he was crazy once she worked out the truth.

I agree, I prefer the delusional angle. They may still go back to this. We certainly can't guess what is going on in Dean's mind!

True.

Since Linda tells Mick about Dean when Mick proposes, I'm guessing the secret about Shirley being his mum comes out first and he's excited that Dean is his brother and wants Dean to spend more time with the family - I don't see why Linda would refuse to marry Mick if Dean was just his nephew.

Or she may feel that she can't agree to marry Mick without telling him that she was raped. After the talks with Stacey, she may feel as though she is able to now?

Just wanted to pop in to say Merry Christmas you guys. Wont be watching EE live but will catch up a few days later and see you then xxx

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas

I must admit, it was a bit nasty of Dean to break his promise to Linda at the end of the episode by asking Mick if he could come on Christmas Day. That being said, I liked Dean's scene with Denise whom I think he genuinely cares about. He also seems to genuinely care about Stacey and Lily in his way. Dean looked a bit uncomfortable and guilty in tomorrow's preview scene with Mick.

Could anyone tell me what Stacey said to Dean in the café? I didn't quite follow. Are they back together or friends or just not on speaking terms?

Stacey is lucky it's Christmas as things will be awkward with Dean being her boss even if she isn't friends with him or in a relationship with him.

Stacey pretended to be friends and then said that he needs to stay away from her and Lily. I didn't understand why she pretended for 5 seconds though?

I loved his scene with Denise - at least we know where he's staying.

Tomorrow is a big day for Matt's career. He's at the centre of Eastenders Christmas Day story, and what's more it seems to be building up to being a classic Eastenders ep.

I'd have never thought that when Dean was in EE in his last stint. He was almost forgettable- not any more!

Matt has come a long way in 8 yrs!

Oh right.

Yes, it's nice that he was able to go and stay with Denise and since Ian and Jane took Alfie in, nobody is homeless.

I agree. I think we will be talking about this episode for years and years.


Yeh. I wonder whether Denise will allow him to stay there when she finds out what he's done?

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Just less than 8 hours until Matt's biggest Eastenders episode....probably ever!

Matt was brilliant tonight. Can't wait to see how he plays Dean's reaction tomorrow.

I think Matt's main performance may be tonight!

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2...oZvicyXFXp3O0n

Funny preview for tomorrow's episode!

Yeh it's good. Isn't it weird how Dean is now interacting with different characters?!! I suppose he has to now most of the others are not going to speak to him. However, it's like they are still trying to give him a purpose.

Just seen a trailer with him talking to Kim. How I wish they hadn't made his character so horrible because he looks unbelievably hot in that trailer and I feel like I shouldn't be fancying him!

Matt's a sexy guy.

Hot like choco spice ciiiider! All the shirtless scenes r blessed! Sexy body!

Xoxo😘❤️💋

I agree, I wish they hadn't have made him go the way he has

I hope we get some development with what Dean is now thinking.

I love how Dean has helped Emma solve the case

Happy New Year everyone

Happy New Year.