Joe Swash reveals the real reason he can’t return to EastEnders – but admits he would if he could
The actor revealed what he's been doing away from Walford
EASTENDERS‘Joe Swash has lifted the lid on whether or not his surprise return to the soap could become permanent.
A fresh-faced Joe first appeared in Walford in 2003 as Spencer Moon’s mate Mickey and was only supposed to stick around for six episodes.
Joe’s portrayal of Mickey was so popular that the executive producer of the soap decided that he needed to become a regular character.
Mickey remained as part of the cast until 2008 when the Miller family’s house burned down in a gas fire and he moved away with his mum for a fresh start elsewhere.
But the iconic character has never been far from fans’ minds and, almost 16 years after he was a regular cast member, Mickey popped up recently as part of a storyline to help save the market with a Walford hunks calendar.
Joe told the BBC what Mickey had been getting up to since we last saw him.
He said: “Mickey has opened a range of eco BnBs across the Cotswolds and he’s doing well for himself! He also is married with two kids.”
Joe’s return sparked rumours about whether Mickey would ever come back long term.
Speaking to the Metro, he said: “They’ve never really asked me back and if they really want you to, they can bring people back from the dead.”
He then revealed that there would be a key factor in any future decision: “I loved my time there, but all my decisions about work at the minute have to suit all the family.
“Ultimately. Soaps are quite full on and I have quite a young family.”
However, there is some hope for a future return as he confirmed: “If it ticked all the boxes, then it would be hard to say no.”
Away from the Square, Joe is keeping busy both at work and home. Talking about his upcoming documentary work, Joe said: “I did a documentary with the BBC last year about kids leaving the care system, which is something I’m passionate about.
“My mum is a foster carer and we’ve have two foster kids in our life for the past 20 years. Daniel, who is with us at the minute, we have had him since he was eight and now he’s going his master’s next year.
