EastEnders spoilers: Gina Knight faces d𝕒nger from r𝕒pist Dean Wicks as they kiss

Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) picked up on Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) smirking as she texted her new love interest in Monday’s (January 15) episode of EastEnders, but remained completely unaware the person who has caught Gina’s eye is Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) rapist.

Following Dean’s return, it became apparent he believed he never raped Linda back in 2014. This left the beloved character seriously struggling to cope, and matters were made worse when she worked out Gina believed Dean over her.

‘In all honesty, Dean doesn’t want to come back’, Matt Di Angelo previously said.

‘He’s sort of forced back there because his daughter, Jade is very ill. She has cystic fibrosis and needs a transplant, which has to be done at the hospital nearby.

Dean secretly met up with Gina

‘Dean has to live there so he’s on call for her appointments and in case the transplant comes through, and they need to move fast. He’s reluctant because he knows the repercussions of returning, but ultimately, he has to help his family.

After spending time together, Gina and Dean’s status was established further tonight, as texts on Gina’s phone revealed her telling Dean she can’t stop thinking about him.

That evening, they secretly met up down the alleyway by the pub.

Gina told Dean that if he wants to be with her, they need to take things slowly. He agreed, and suggested having a date outside the ‘fishbowl’ so they can start the ‘journey’ without opinions and comments from people they know.

Happy with Dean’s idea, Gina left, failing to spot the dark and troubled look on his face.

But what is Dean up to?

Is he preparing to start a relationship with Gina just to anger her family and Linda?

Or does he have another sinister plan in mind?