dennis rickman was described in a 2004 article as the show's "bad boy pin-up character". the representation of dennis as "smouldering thug" was apparent from his first appearance in walford, when he hit resident top dog phil mitchell. in an interview with the "daily mirror" harman declared, "he is a total bastard and if i met him in real life, i'd be bloody scared. [but] that's why he's such a brilliant part." according to the official "eastenders" website, "dennis may well be able to turn on the charm with the ladies, but he has a certain sinister edge."