Thanks. Yeh I think this week is really one to watch. I think we may see some surprises too.

I think so! I love that each episode of EE are full of surprises, very well written and things that are not obvious from the spoilers. Tonight's going to be a corker of an episode, can't wait, heralding a week of great episodes!

Matt's put some lovely photos on his instagram

As someone has wondered in the episode thread - is tonight the time we hear about what happened to Dean in prison?

Quotes from Inside Soap:

"Dean honestly believes he and Linda had a consensual relationship."

"In Dean's head he's done nothing wrong. He's deluded and thinks he and Linda had some kind of consensual relationship, but that doesn't stop him from worrying about what could happen if the police believe Linda's story over his. He knows that being convicted of rape will destroy his life and he's willing to do anything in his power to stop that from happening."

Thanks for those - very interesting. Is that Matt saying those?

I don't know - it doesn't specify.

Tonight was interesting - Dean's version juxtaposed against Linda's. It's interesting to see how differently Dean interpreted it.

I enjoy getting my hair done but that doesn't mean I want to go out with my hairdresser but Dean seems to have jumped from Linda enjoying her hair/beauty treatments to Linda being interested in him.

She didn't say anything in Blades because it was awkward and embarrassing not because she liked what Dean did.

She slapped him because she was married to Mick and was angry with him for making a pass at her but he obviously interpreted it as her being secretly flattered and attracted to him - even my mom rolled her eyes when I told her how Dean interpreted that.

Hmm - Linda putting her arm round him, inviting him to stay when he would have left etc while technically true, he seems to have interpreted it as her being manipulative and leading him on when in reality she was just friendly and caring.

He only actually lied about one thing and that was denying that she said no when she did say no but I'm unsure whether it was a conscious lie or not.

Dean still doesn't seem evil but it's rather alarming that he seems to think he's not an ordinary rapist. That's like saying - yes I strangled this person but it was in this situation - after all this person was winding me up and I snapped. It doesn't mean I love my family any less etc. That kind of thinking is very dangerous.

Matt has always said Dean is a self-deluding rapist. I've kinda always thought that means he knows what he has done but he doesn't believe it's wrong or consider it rape.

I wonder if we will get a moment where he admits it to himself/understands what he has done

Hmm....I think the real test will be when Dean is talking to the police - we know how much he couldn't handle the pressure last time!

Did anyone else pick up on Linda talking about Dean mentioning that he'd contemplated suicide? Foreshadowing? I think he may at least attempt it.

I still find it strange that we still don't know if he's leaving.

I really dislike the idea of him killing himself at the end of the SL. Just seems a bit of an easy way out and imo is not justice being served.

If he doesn't get sent to prison, it would be in-keeping with his character as he almost tried it before. I know what you mean though.

This looks good!!

http://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/r...-rose-birthday

Matt's tweeted that he's on his way to the NTAs

Heat just tweeted a video of his reaction to EE winning.

He was pretty happy

Haha yeh I've just seen it. It might also have been because Henry was there

http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/eastender...me-waves-video

An interview with Matt. He's got a proper beard now!! For his storyline? Oooh he's said he's had some time off!!

He's also in live week!!!! He's in it "enough to be happy". From what he's said in this interview, I reckon he could leave and then return in the live week!!!

Thanks for that Sez.

I have to say I am not liking that beard one bit!! I hate it haha.

I am glad he is involved in the 30th anniversary. Wonder if that's when he will leave or whether he is staying on? Still not heard anything about his future at EE!

That video showing his reaction back stage was definitely due to Henry being there bless him - such a die hard Arsenal fan!

No neither am I! It might be due to his storyline though?

I really hope we hear something soon. I love how he said "enough to be happy with" - so I assume he has some scenes

I love his reaction too - it's definitely due to Henry!!

I liked Dean helping Stan into the pub and giving Shirley a hug. Glad they are keeping up the complexity.

Yeh I like that Dean helped Stan. I wonder what he'll be like when Stan dies?

I think his beard is definitely related to his character. Looks like he is homeless, lol.

It was nice to see the softer side with the hug and helping Stan - If Mick helps him to die I think that'll add further hatred between the two of them!!

Yeh I hope it's for character purposes!

Yes!!!!!!!!!

http://www.soapsquawk.co.uk/news/eas...rd.php#results

I am very surprised that this is even a possibility:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/showbiz-t...r-new-contract

Interesting - thanks for the links. I too presumed he'd be leaving, even if they can't prosecute I couldn't imagine how he could stay. Of course it seems no decision has been made yet but at least we know Matt wants to stay - hopefully DTC wants him to stay too! I'm sure he said that Dean would get his comeuppance though even if he doesn't go to prison. Maybe this is just through losing the business (potentially) and being shunned by friends and family (although at the moment it seems Shirley and Denise are on his side). If he loses the business and family I see no reason why Dean would stick around - unless Buster returns and Shirley continues to stick by him.

I think Buster may be the key to him being able to stay.

However, I am still open to the idea that this is all untrue and his exit is going to be a surprise!