Why did Danny Dyer leave EastEnders? Star reveals ‘mad’ truth

Former EastEnders star Danny Dyer has admitted one storyline in particular impacted his decision to leave the BBC One soap.

Danny played the character of Mick Carter until 2022. During his final scenes, Mick was involved in a showdown with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Prior to this, Mick had been in a relationship with Janine, with the last part of his storyline ultimately focusing on her desperation to be with him, and Mick coming to the realisation Linda is his one true love.

Mick disappeared as a result of being swept out to sea. Afterwards, Janine was sent to prison, and eventually gave birth to his child behind bars.

Why did Danny Dyer leave EastEnders?

Reflecting on Mick’s relationship with Janine, star Danny Dyer recently admitted it was a ‘mad’ storyline.

In an episode of Rob Beckett’s Smart TV on Sky, he said: ‘Mick’s got a kid with Janine, how mad is that? That’s why I left, they f***ing put me with Janine, I thought I’ve got to f**k off.’

‘It’s the truth!’, he added as the audience laughed.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Danny Dyer attends a special gala screening after party for "Rivals" on October 15, 2024 in London, England. "Rivals" will launch on Disney+ on Friday 18th October. (Photo by Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+)
Fans fell in love with Danny’s portrayal of Fred in Rivals (Picture: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Disney+)

Last year, Danny joined a variety of famous faces in the Disney+ show Rivals.

Danny played a character called Freddie in the show, who ended up having a secret fling with Lizzie, played by Katherine Parkinson.

After a decade starring as Mick Carter on one of the UK’s biggest soaps, Danny is no stranger to criticism of his acting.

The influx of praise for his stint in Rivals hasn’t gone unnoticed, calling this ‘revelation’ that he can act ‘slightly insulting’.

Mick speaks to Janine over the bar in EastEnders
Mick Carter had a baby with Janine Butcher (Picture: BBC)

‘I’m just riding the wave of it at the moment,’ the Marching Powder star shared with us, revealing his involvement with the Disney Plus show was a bit ‘last minute’.

Danny didn’t have much preparation time and ‘was reading [the script] as we were shooting, going “Oh my god, this is so clever”.’

He jokes it ‘could have gone two ways’, either people got it or it would just be ‘there’s Danny Dyer in a wig’ – thankfully it was a smash hit.

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