Former EastEnders star Joe Swash has opened up about the emotional impact of his unexpected exit from the long-running BBC soap. Swash, who portrayed Mickey Miller for five years, was shocked when his character was written out of the show in 2008. Mickey’s exit saw him leave Walford to take up a job as a concierge in the Cotswolds, a decision that Swash admits left him “devastated.”
++ Iconic Peaky Blinders suit worn by Cillian Murphy set for charity auction
The actor shared his feelings in a recent episode of his reality series Stacey & Joe, revealing that he had always envisioned being a permanent part of the show. “I was a lifer and in it for life if they wanted me,” Swash said. “It was devastating because I loved it. I wanted to be like Ian Beale.” He explained that EastEnders played a significant role in shaping his career, helping him secure opportunities like his appearance on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and ultimately meeting his partner Stacey Solomon.
Despite the sadness surrounding his exit, Swash expressed how comforting it was to return to the EastEnders set in recent years. He described the experience of reprising his role in 2023 as “nice,” saying there’s something deeply familiar and reassuring about being back on the show. “I love that place and know it so well,” he added.
++ UK scrutinises Chinese investment amid national security concerns
Swash has been invited back for brief guest stints on the show since his departure, and when asked about the possibility of returning full-time, he revealed that he would be open to the idea. However, with a young family, any potential return would need to suit his personal life. “Soaps are quite full-on,” Swash explained, “and I have quite a young family at the moment.” He added that the people he worked with on EastEnders made the experience even more enjoyable, praising the directors, writers, and bosses as “amazing people.”
