EastEnders' Danny Dyer 'off his nut' while filming as bosses took drastic steps
Danny Dyer has confessed to downing booze and taking prescription pills before filming scenes on EastEnders during his nine-year run as Mick Carter on the hit soap
Danny Dyer has confessed that he was "off his nut" while filming for EastEnders, forcing show bosses to take drastic action. The actor made bombshell claims about his time on the BBC soap as he slammed it for being "s*** now."
Talking at a charity event on Friday Danny - who has suffered from drink and drug abuse in the past - opened up about how he struggled after joining the soap and found himself drunk on set and taking prescription pills. Danny starred on EastEnders for nine years from 2013 - 2022 and during that time went to rehab in 2017 to address his addiction problems.
He described how the production team took action when he was drunk on set to stop him from downing beers while he worked. He said: "When I first arrived the pints were reaI. I was slipping and sliding around having a few lagers and they found out, so they started to put TCP in the f***ing beer!"
Danny then admitted that he was also taking pills but still managed to act his scenes as loveable landlord of The Queen Vic, Mick Carter. He said: "I was off my nut for a lot of that job, I've got to say. I was on a lot of valium and diazepam, that is why. Still got that f***ing job done somehow."
Danny didn't hold back as he was asked what he thought of the show since he left in traumatic scenes that saw Mick lost at sea saving the lives of ex Linda Carter and evil new wife Janine Butcher at Christmas in 2022. He said: "S*** now though, ain't it," adding, "Serves them right."
Talking at the Paul Strank Charitable Trust event in Wimbledon, south London - where he donated thousands of pounds of his own money - Danny opened up about the emotional rollercoaster and how he struggled with the lack of downtime from draining scenes, saying there wasn't enough "duty of care".
"In a film you properly cry and go to a dark place," he said. "You have time to recover. But on soap, you ain't. On a soap, it f**** a lot of people's heads up. I tell you most people in soaps are off their nut. You meet them on the street and they're f***ing lunatics, I'm telling you.
"If someone dies in your family, they won't even let you go to a f***ing funeral because it is such a machine there wasn't much duty of care there."
A spokesperson for the show has rebuked Danny's claims. In statement, they said: "We would never discuss an individual's private matters however, we do not recognise these claims. EastEnders has extremely robust and well established procedures in place to safeguard the welfare of everyone who works on the show."
He took the part of Mick Carter at a low point in his career after his Human Traffic and The Football Factory success had waned and with bailiffs at his door, having previously sworn he would never star in the soap.
Danny, 47, claims he didn't get a warm welcome on Albert Square. "I will be honest, it is a very clicky place to work," he said. "We took the pub over from Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie. Kat and Alfie had an 11 year run and then they want to get rid of them.
"So they brought us in and they had the hump. That was getting tricky. I was like 'What's the matter with these people, I've not made this call'. So there was a lot of people blanking us when we turned up."
Whilst he looks back fondly on the first three years of working on the show, he said it went downhill from there. "I really cherish those first three years," he recalled, "Then a new producer came in and sacked every f***er. It is a very ruthless job. I learned a lot. Nine years was enough for me."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Evening Standard
26 minutes ago
- Evening Standard
‘Beloved' Race Across The World star Sam Gardiner dies after car crash as family pays emotional tribute
'Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across The World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends.'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
How Queen Elizabeth II clashed with Prince Philip over the televising of her coronation
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip clashed over plans to televise her coronation, a royal insider has revealed. While the black and white footage was grainy, the BBC 's live broadcast was an incredible feat which took months of preparation and attracted 27million viewers. But if the Queen's original wish had been honoured, it would not have been televised. This position was supported by the then-prime minister Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother but there remained one vocal supporter of opening up Westminster Abbey to the cameras - Prince Philip. Philip and Elizabeth butted heads over the issue, according to royal author Andrew Morton. He wrote: 'On this crucial matter she butted heads with her husband, who chaired the coronation committee. 'He wanted to let daylight in on the magic, believing that televising the ceremony would make the monarchy relevant to a new generation and herald a new, dynamic Elizabethan Age.' But Philip was overruled and it was announced that the coronation would not be broadcast. However, 'people power' convinced the Queen to U-turn. Morton, in his book Elizabeth & Margaret, added: 'For once people power - with the eager support of of the television manufacturers - won the day. 'Ministers and MPs were overwhelmed with an avalanche of mail protesting against the decision to keep the cameras out of the abbey.' Royal commentator Alexander Larman wrote in his book Power and Glory: 'So overwhelming and consistent was the outcry, ably communicated to their elected representatives, that in October 1952, it was stated that in view of the "serious public disappointment", the sacred event would need to be broadcast live.' By then Elizabeth had a change of heart and said: 'All her subjects should have an opportunity of seeing [the coronation].' Preparations took on a new life after this decision, with TV stations needing to be built across the country to ensure all could watch the historic occasion. The Duke of Edinburgh kneels in front of the Queen. The BBC's live broadcast was an incredible feat which took months of preparation Plans were even made to show the event in France for the Duke and Duchess of WIndsor's benefit, according to Hugo Vickers in his book Coronation: The Crowning of Elizabeth II. Westminster Abbey also had to be kitted out with all the latest technology. This included four cameras mounted across the ceiling and 26 microphones placed close to the throne. John Snagge was given the role of commentating for BBC Home Service radio, while RIchard Dimbleby led the TV coverage. According to Vickers, concerns about the logistics of the broadcast continued to be raised. 'Snagge was worried about what he would do if the Queen fainted under the heavy robes and hot lights or if a peer carrying the regalia should fall over,' he wrote. In the end, the coronation went off without a hitch. Churches installed their own TVs so congregations across the country could 'surround the Queen with their prayers'. For royals fans across the pond, recordings of the coronation were flown in bombers to Canada and the United States. The coronation brought to the throne a picture of youth, hope, innocence and beauty in one compelling mix. Upwards of 45,000 troops from 50 countries lined the four-mile procession route, designed so three million spectators could witness the New Elizabethan age's dawn. Some 8,000 guests crammed into Westminster Abbey, falling into silence as Elizabeth gave her Coronation Oath. On The Mall, a million spectators cheered themselves hoarse when she stepped on to the Buckingham Palace balcony. All this for one modest, 25-year-old woman. Even today, despite King Charles's historic coronation two years ago, it remains a high point - a piece of magic which could never be replicated. The renowned author Dame Rebecca West was overawed by the spectacle, describing Elizabeth as 'the emblem of the state, the symbol of our national life, the guardian of our self-respect'. Writer Nancy Mitford put it more jauntily: 'How much NICER to have a young queen than that very dull old man!' While the nation celebrated with thousands of street parties, in the ancient walls of Westminster Abbey an act of immense sobriety was taking place. 'She was consecrated,' said Canon John Andrew, the senior chaplain, 'and that makes her Queen. It is the most solemn thing that has ever happened in her life. She cannot abdicate. She is there until death.' And many who witnessed the broadcast view the coronation as one of the most memorable days in their own lives.
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa reveals the real reason behind 'unplanned' exit
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Edinburgh actor, Ncuti Gatwa, has shared that he will be stepping down from his role as the Time Lord in the hit BBC show, Doctor Who. The Scottish-Rwandan actor is set to go down in history the beloved sci-fi shows' 62 year history for many reasons - one of them being as one of the few actors who served the shortest time in his role as the Doctor- retiring his sonic screwdriver after just two seasons, reports The Daily Record. Ncuti has said the reason he quit the popular show due to the physical and mental demands it requires, especially for the lead character. However, fans believe that his exit wasn't planned, despite what the Sex Education star has told the media. The 32-year-old has now been replaced by the Billie Piper, who previously starred in the BBC drama as Rose Tyler alongside former Doctor, Christopher Ecclestone, who only lasted one series. Piper also starred in the 2006 series with David Tennant. Ncuti recorded a video explanation for his fans after his exit was aired in the Doctor Who season 15 finale on Saturday May 31. In the video, he said: "It's a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. "I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it's time." However, die-hard fans believe there is another reason behind his exit, the Mirror reports. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Taking to X, one fan named Mr Tardis had clearly done their research as they wrote: "In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on 'The Graham Norton Show' saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. "In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better." Another echoed: "In situations like that, they'll often shoot two different alternative scenes: one where the series continues, and one to finish things off. "Ncuti may well have actually thought he'd be staying on back in October 2024, even after filming a regeneration scene just in case." A third fan was left disappointed with the news of his exit as they wrote: "I am so f****g sad. its one thing to see your doctor regenerate because they chose to, another to see it happen because of behind the scenes s**t. "I loved literally every episode this era. I've been defending it the whole time. this.. this kinda broke me." Adding to his exit speech, Ncuti said: "You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. "This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. He added: "There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe." The former Doctor Who star continued: "The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor." Meanwhile showrunner Russell T. Davies also expressed his sadness over Ncuti's decision to step down. He expressed: "What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti's great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights." He added: "Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" A spokesperson for Doctor Who declined to comment.
