Danny Dyer has opened up about why he really left his role as Mick Carter on EastEnders, saying he was unhappy with his character being paired with the villainous Janine Butcher. The actor, who played the beloved pub owner for nine years, was written off in the 2022 Christmas special in an episode watched by over three million people.
Speaking on Rob Beckett's Smart TV, Dyer said: 'Mick's got a kid with Janine, how mad's that? That's why I left. They f****** put me with Janine. I thought, 'I've [got to] f*** off'.' His character had married Janine, who was pregnant with his child, after she manipulated him away from his former wife Linda Carter.
In the dramatic Christmas Day episode, Janine attempted to flee to Dover but was chased by Mick and Linda. The three ended up in the sea, with Mick saving Linda, Janine and his unborn baby. However, Mick did not resurface after going back to find Linda, who had safely got out. He has been presumed dead for the past two years.
Dyer also told HeyUGuys.com that leaving the soap was a risk he took to pursue other opportunities. 'My hunger and ambition was for things like working with Nick again and getting the opportunity. And the only way was if I left. So I did roll the dice - this is my third year out of the soap - and I've had an amazing run,' he said.
Fans reacted on social media, with one writing: 'Danny is so real for this. Mick and Janine as well as Max and Linda should've never happened.' Another commented: 'Safe to say that Danny wasn't a fan of Mick and Janine (can't blame him).'
