Former EastEnders star Joshua Pascoe has disclosed that he never spoke to a co-star again after a disagreement over a cigarette backstage. The actor, who played Ben Mitchell on the BBC soap from 2010 to 2012, recounted the incident while reflecting on his time at Albert Square, stating he was unimpressed by the behavior of a wealthier cast member.
Although Pascoe declined to name the actor, he described him as a 'multi-millionaire' who would regularly ask younger cast members for cigarettes instead of bringing his own. Speaking exclusively, Pascoe said: 'I'm not going to say names, but there were a few at EastEnders. I used to smoke back then and there was one particular actor. He was a multi-millionaire. He would only do it to the young ones. He'd come out and say, "Yeah, course, have you got a fag?"'
Refusal to Hand Over a Cigarette
Pascoe explained that after repeatedly giving in, he eventually decided to put his foot down. 'In the end, one morning he came up to me and said, "Can I have a fag?" I said, "I'm not giving you any more. You've got more money than me, mate."' According to Pascoe, this exchange marked the end of their relationship. 'He never spoke to me ever again,' he revealed. 'I thought, "No, I can't stand ponces." Especially when you've got more money than me as well.'
The former soap star emphasized that the issue was never about the cost of a cigarette but the principle behind it. 'It's not about the money, it's the principle,' he said. 'It's strange, but they like to do that and pick on the younger ones. Nine times out of 10, people would just say, "Yeah, okay."'
Life Behind the Scenes at EastEnders
Pascoe also shed light on the social dynamics backstage, noting that the smoking area was a popular gathering spot for cast members between scenes. 'We had our dressing rooms, then the AD room, then the green room and make-up, and just outside of that is where everyone would congregate to have a cigarette, but it's probably not there anymore,' he explained.
Despite the unpleasant encounter, Pascoe stressed that the overwhelming majority of people he worked with during his time on the long-running soap were kind and welcoming. 'I've been very grateful,' he said. 'Most people I've worked with have been nice.' While the identity of the mystery co-star remains undisclosed, Pascoe made it clear that the backstage disagreement is one encounter he has never forgotten.
In other news, Joshua Pascoe has been focusing on building his adult site portfolio and can be found on Instagram and OnlyFans.
