EastEnders hardman Steve McFadden cycles to Dick Whittington panto on a folding bike

Steve McFadden was spotted cycling to work in Southampton on a fold-up bike this weekend.

The actor, who plays Phil Mitchell in soap EastEnders, 59, is currently appearing in a pantomime production of Dick Whittington in the south coast city.

The star could be seen wearing a hat and a pair of gloves as he donned a blue and white jacket in a bid to protect himself from the cold January weather.

Steve arrived at the theatre on an environmentally friendly electronic bike which retails at a cost of £3,000.

Last year he was out and about making nightclub appearances and charging fans £2 so they could have a picture with him at the venues.

Steve was camera ready for snap-happy revellers who were enjoying a few drinks on their nights out.

The long-time soap regular previously charged £5 to get fans through the door at nightclubs, most but bosses at nightspot MooMoo in Fleet seemingly decided to lower the going rate in 2018.

The event was billed as “one huge Saturday night” and popular Steve was inundated with requests for pictures.

In EastEnders Steve is claimed to command a salary of £310,000 a year.

Although this is eye-watering for some, it’s reported to be £100,000 less than top-dog Danny Dyer.

Steve is no stranger to the club circuit and has been pictured hugging excited fans, desperate to get a snap with the Albert Square legend, in the past.

And it seems the gigs were rubbing off on his co-stars, as Jake Wood – who plays Max Branning – was recently getting into the game.

Last summer he thrilled revellers at Evoke in Chelmsford by appearing during the evening.