The UK soap scene, from the cobbles of Coronation Street to the drama-filled EastEnders, is a staple for many Brits, with characters like the beloved pub landlord Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, and the iconic Phil Mitchell from the car repair shop resonating with viewers nationwide.

Yet, it’s always a bit of a shocker when soap stars swap their on-screen jobs for real-life roles.

Take Katie Jarvis for instance, who graced Albert Square as Hayley Slater in EastEnders from 2018 to 2019.

After a brief two-year run, shorter than many Walford legends, she took a surprising turn as a security guard at B&M, supporting her family post-soap life, as reported by The Mirror.

Chatting with The Daily Star, she opened up: “I’ve taken a step back from acting. I’ve got a job and I’m looking after my kids.”

Jarvis expressed how she was “job-shamed” following her switch from TV screens to a day job.

Speaking to Grazia, the Dagenham-born actress shared her perspective: “It’s the nature of being an actor.

“Gigs come and go, and after my contract with EastEnders ended in February, I found a new job as soon as I could.”