An EastEnders star has been left "very surprised" after discovering an actor making a shock return to the popular BBC soap opera for its 40th anniversary.

In recent months, showrunners have confirmed the return of numerous characters in celebration of the programme's four decades on the air.

However, the return of one character was so unexpected that even a fellow actor didn't expect to see it happen.

EastEnders star Matt Di Angelo teases the identity of the actor making a shock return to Walford

Speaking with The Mirror newspaper, Matt Di Angelo, who played Dean Wicks, said: "I know quite a lot and I can’t tell you who exactly – but when I found out, I was very surprised that they would come back."

Previously, Matt made a return to the BBC show himself when he reprised his role at Dean Wicks.

He said: "It feels great to be back. I started at EastEnders almost 18 years ago, which seems like a lifetime ago now. I haven’t been back for seven years.

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"I was thrilled to be asked again for the third time as I love the people and the show ... It’s great to catch up with old friends, some of whom I’ve known since I was 18 years old, like Natalie Cassidy and Lacey Turner.

"I’m working really closely with Adam Woodyatt again, which is really great as he’s a really great guy. Without giving too much away, obviously, Dean will cross paths with Linda quite a bit and her new family, the Knights, who are all fantastic and awesome to work with."

Hinting at what fans could expect from his return, the EastEnders star said: "There is a trial. I know the result of the trial because we’ve filmed it already. I can tell you – but I won’t because it would ruin the television!"