Early Fame and EastEnders Stardom

Matt Di Angelo became a household name at just 18 when he landed the role of Deano Wicks on BBC’s EastEnders. Known as the charming rogue of Albert Square, the role catapulted him into the public eye, complete with red carpet events, interviews, and media attention. Having trained at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School, Di Angelo was well-prepared for the spotlight, and in 2007, he showcased his dance skills on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing as runner-up with partner Flavia Cacace.

However, sudden fame came with its challenges. Matt has reflected on the pressures of the industry at such a young age, admitting that the highs—luxury cars, attention from fans, and a bustling social life—were quickly followed by lows when the work dried up.

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The Dark Side of Showbiz

In candid interviews, Di Angelo has opened up about the toll the acting world took on his mental health. After leaving EastEnders, he experienced a four-year spell with very little work. During that period, he battled anxiety, depression, and paranoia, at one point relying on diazepam just to leave the house.

“I had a phobia of defecating in public and panic about being on stage or in front of people,” he revealed on They All Need Therapy podcast. “I was getting on planes and taking diazepam just to cope with people constantly watching me.”

He described the industry as “dangerous,” particularly for young actors suddenly thrust into fame. Beyond performance anxiety, he faced the pressures of managing sudden wealth, unwanted attention, and the volatility of freelance acting work.

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Career Ups and Downs

Following his initial EastEnders stint, Matt found stability with the TV series Hustle, which he described as feeling like a “family.” Despite other roles over the years, he admitted to feeling isolated from the acting world, frustrated by its unpredictability and the lack of recognition after projects ended.

He also spoke candidly about his early financial mistakes, such as purchasing a Porsche on credit at 19, only to crash it a few months later—a reflection of the reckless freedom sudden fame brought him.

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Family and Life Beyond Acting

Now 38, Matt is married to wedding planner Sophia Perry. The couple tied the knot at the Dorchester Hotel in 2021 and welcomed twins Daphne and Raphael in 2022. Fatherhood, he says, has reshaped his priorities and made him more selective about acting commitments. “I recently got offered a play, but I didn’t want to leave my kids for six months,” he admitted.

Matt has also discovered a passion for property renovation. He finds manual labor far more satisfying than acting, appreciating tangible results and the sense of accomplishment that comes from transforming a home. “When I plaster and fill up a skip, I can look at it and say, ‘I did that.’ You don’t get that with a TV scene—no one stops to say, ‘that was good,’” he said.

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EastEnders Return and Future Plans

After a brief return to Albert Square in October 2023 as Deano Wicks, Matt exited again following a major courtroom storyline in September 2024. While show bosses have hinted at the possibility of another return, Di Angelo seems content balancing acting with property work and family life.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I don’t regret going into the business, but I envy people who have a steady paycheck. Acting is unpredictable, and now I find peace in things I can build and see every day.”

Despite the turbulence, Matt’s story is one of resilience—navigating the highs of stardom, surviving career lows, and finding fulfillment in family and tangible achievements outside the spotlight.