RETURN OF THE MICK
Joe Swash teases ‘really exciting’ return to acting 16 years on from quitting EastEnders
Joe’s character, Mickey, was involved in exciting storylines such as money scams, turbulent relationships, male escorting gigs and many more
JOE Swash has told fans to “watch this space” as he teased a "really exciting" TV comeback.
The 42-year-old TV personality played the role of cheeky chappy Mickey Miller on EastEnders from 2003 to 2008.
4
4
And it seems as if the fan-favourite character might be returning to Albert Square 16 years after his "disappointing" exit.
In a recent interview, the former soap star turned presenter hinted at an “exciting” return to the acting industry.
Speaking on stepping back into his old territory, Joe told : “I can’t say too much - but I have some really exciting things happening this year - so watch this space!”
Following his arrival in Albert Square—initially as a guest character—Joe was later joined by his real-life younger sister Shana Swash, 33, who played his on-screen sibling Demi Miller.
READ MORE ON EastEnders
During his five years on EastEnders, Joe’s character Mickey was involved in exciting storylines such as money scams, his turbulent relationship with Kareena Ferreira, his male escorting stint and many more.
His jovial, charismatic personality attracted many fans, who were shocked to see him, his on-screen stepfather Keith Miller, played by David Spinx, and their dog Genghis leave the Square in 2008.
At the time, an inside Eastenders source told The Sun: "[Joe] and David [who plays Keith] were told their characters had run out of steam by EastEnders boss Diederick Santer.
“Joe was stunned at first. He's loved playing Mickey and felt the fans still enjoyed watching his antics."
Most read in Drama
Joe’s character Mickey briefly returned to the show in September 2011 for Darren Millers’ wedding to Jodie Gold.
Due to feeling guilty about sleeping with sex with bridesmaid Lauren Branning, Darren called off the wedding.
How Joe Swash helped Stacey Solomon make £3m fortune
In later scenes, the two on-screen stepbrothers go to the pub for a drink, and Mickey tells Darren he is proud of him before leaving the show again.
Last year, during a conversation with his I'm A Celebrity... South Africa campmate Carol Vorderman Joe expressed disappointment over his sudden exit from the hit soap opera.
He disclosed the 63-year-old: “I had the worst outro ever! I didn’t even leave at the end of the episode.
"So usually you leave at the end of the episode, and you get the 'doof doof'. Mine, I went to Norwich to be a bellboy at a hotel, and mid-scene, I just walked into the Vic and went, 'Right, see you later'.
4
4
"They turned back to Phil, turned back to me, and I’d gone. I was like, 'What, that’s it?' I was there five years and not one 'doof doof'!"
Elsewhere, Joe has other plans in motion as he has considered a significant move in his personal life.
Last year, the former EastEnders star revealed to that he and his wife, Stacey Solomon, will ‘always consider’ becoming foster parents.
Joe holds the subject close to his chest and recently became the first ambassador of Comfort Cases, a foster care charity that helps vulnerable children across England and Wales.
The actor's mum, Kiffy, has been a foster carer for over 11 years, influencing him to advocate for fostering.
Joe still has a close relationship with his foster sibling, Daniel, who came into their lives at the Tender age of just seven years old.
Talking about the subject, he informed : “It would definitely be of interest to both Stacey and me [to become foster parents], as we have seen the difference my mum has made to little Daniel’s life and the young man he is growing up to be.
“And it truly scares us to think what could’ve happened if my mum had never met him and the difference it would’ve made to his life.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
In addition to his EastEnders stardom, Joe went on to win I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2008 and Dancing on Ice in 2020.
He also achieved a successful presenting career on the I’m a Celeb spin-off show Extra Camp.
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
Here's the latest on:
- EastEnders spoilers
- New, leaving and returning cast members
- Where is EastEnders filmed and can you visit the set?
- Inside EastEnders abandoned original set
- The history of EastEnders iconic pub The Queen Victoria
- The biggest ever 'duff duff' moments
- Longest serving cast members
- Shocking Albert Square serial killers
- The soap's most iconic episodes
Topics