Danny Dyer has proven to be an amazing asset to EastEnders; talented, warm and personable, his character Mick Carter has become a firm favourite with fans.
"I knew this was when Mick would find out about Dean raping Linda"
But Mick's life is about to be turned upside down when he learns that partner Linda (Kellie Bright) was raped in a brutal attack by his nephew - really his brother - Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo).
Discussing the traumatic scenes, Danny believes that Mick's reaction to the discovery is very realistic.
He told All About Soap: "I was excited about these episodes because I knew this was when Mick would find out about Dean raping Linda, but I didn't know how it would happen.
"A lot of Christmas is about Mick, how he discovers the truth and how he deals with it.
"It's a lot to take on board, but the way he reacts is so well-written and believable."
He added firmly: "Any human would react in the same way."
Danny added that he hopes viewers will be VERY satisfied with the Christmas Day episode - and piled praise upon co-stars Matt Di Angelo and Kellie Bright for their challenging scenes.
He said: "[Viewers] are dying for it to come out because what Dean did to Linda was horrific and he can't get away with it - he deserves to be arrested.
"How dare he walk around and go into the pub knowing what he has done to that poor woman. I think Matt has been playing it right, and it's been a tough job to stretch out for three months.
"Kellie has really shone too and shown what she can do. They are both amazing."
EastEnders continues tonight on BBC One at 7.30pm - be there or be (Albert) Square.