EastEnders star Joe Swash has admitted he was devastated to be told his character would be axed from the show.
Joe played Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap from 2003-2008. He then made a guest appearance in 2011, and returned briefly for the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations in December last year.
He established himself as a comedy character known for his wheeling and dealing.
The following year, he was joined on the Square by his on-screen family, including mum Rosie (Gerry Cowper), stepdad Keith (David Spinx), and half-brother Darren (Charlie G. Hawkins) and half-sister Demi, who was played by Joe’s real-life sister Shana Swash. Mickey’s elder sister Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon) was also a later addition.
During his time in Walford, Mickey was involved in various money-making schemes, often with fellow scammer Mo Harris (Laila Morse).
When Joe returned to Albert Square last year to film as Mickey, things were kept top secret to surprise the audience when he reappeared in December.
This week though, in the latest instalment of Stacey and Joe, fans were given a behind the scenes look at Joe’s visit to EastEnders, as cameras for the show followed him around.
Joe was in it for the long haul!
In a chat to the camera, Joe opened up about how much his life changed as a result of securing the Mickey Miller role. He also admitted how upset he was when he got told the character would be leaving.
‘I played Mickey Miller for about five years, until the day come they told me they didn’t want me no more, time to go, which was devastating! I loved it.
‘Honestly, I wanted to be like Ian Beale, I was a lifer, I was in it for life if they wanted me.’
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When Mickey departed in 2008, he moved to the Cotswolds. The reason for Mickey’s comeback stemmed from the potential closure of Bridge Street market and, wanting to do his bit for the cause, he made a generous donation.
He explained that he now runs a chain of BnBs called Miller’s Villas, proving himself to have been quite the success in business since leaving Walford.
