Hold onto your hats, soap fans!** Prepare for a bombshell revelation that will send shockwaves through the worlds of Walford and the Dales, even though it technically unfolds off-screen. Beloved *EastEnders* icon, the former Mick Carter himself, Danny Dyer, is set to lay bare his tumultuous past in a raw and unflinching interview on ITV’s groundbreaking new show, “The Assembly.” And trust us, the confessions are more dramatic than any Christmas Day in Albert Square!

While the premise of “The Assembly” is to see celebrities face the unfiltered questions of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent, and learning disabled, the real drama ignites when the spotlight falls on Dyer. In what’s being described as his most honest and vulnerable interview to date, the actor doesn’t hold back as he delves into the darkest corners of his life, revealing a history riddled with drug abuse, fractured family ties, and the painful consequences of his actions on his marriage.

One particularly poignant moment, teased in advance of the episode, sees Dyer emotionally acknowledging that his wife, Joanne Mas, was entirely justified in throwing him out of their family home. The catalyst for this brutal but ultimately necessary action? Dyer’s out-of-control drug use.

Interviewer Chardonnay, with a directness that cuts through any celebrity façade, probes Dyer about the period leading up to Joanne taking control of the family finances. Dyer doesn’t shy away from the painful truth. “She controls everything now,” he admits, his voice thick with a mixture of regret and understanding. He then elaborates on the circumstances that led to his expulsion, stating plainly, “She did kick me out because I was a ping and she deserved better.”

For those unfamiliar with the slang, “ping” in this context refers to being heavily under the influence of drugs, likely stimulants. Dyer doesn’t attempt to sugarcoat his behavior, confessing to extended periods of absence fueled by his addiction. “Sometimes I would go out and get off my head, take drugs, and I wouldn’t come home for three days,” he reveals, painting a stark picture of a life spiraling out of control.

The actor, known for his tough-guy persona both on and off-screen, doesn’t try to excuse his actions. Instead, he takes full responsibility, admitting, “I had issues. I never wanted the party to end. She had every right to throw me out.” This raw admission showcases a level of self-awareness and remorse that may surprise even his most ardent fans. It suggests a significant journey of personal growth and a deep understanding of the pain he inflicted on his loved ones.

But the revelations don’t stop there. Dyer’s openness extends beyond his struggles with addiction, delving into the formative experiences that shaped his life and contributed to his unhealthy coping mechanisms. He speaks candidly about the profound impact of losing numerous male role models throughout his childhood and adolescence.

“I needed to learn what was wrong with me because I was acting, I was earning money, I had everything going for me. But I still wasn’t happy,” Dyer confesses, highlighting the internal turmoil that often lies beneath a successful exterior. When asked directly if therapy has been beneficial, his response is a resounding yes.

He then elaborates on the root of his unhappiness, tracing it back to a series of significant losses. “I learned that it was every strong male role model I had either left me or died,” Dyer explains with palpable emotion. He recounts the abandonment by his father at a young age, followed by the devastating loss of his grandfather to cancer within a mere six months. He also speaks fondly of his close relationship with renowned playwright Harold Pinter, another influential figure who succumbed to cancer.

In a truly startling and deeply personal revelation, Dyer shares a bizarre coping mechanism he developed in response to these repeated losses. “Whenever I got close to somebody who I loved and I looked up to, I’d press the f*** it button before they could die,” he admits. “I thought, I’ll beat you to it. Which is a weird way of thinking.” This confession offers a profound insight into the psychological impact of his early experiences and the lengths to which he went to protect himself from further heartbreak. He credits therapy with providing him with the “tools” to understand and overcome these deeply ingrained patterns.

Further delving into his relationship with his absent father, prompted by a question from interviewer Essen, who was also raised by a single mother, Dyer becomes visibly emotional. “My dad wasn’t a very good dad. He didn’t know how to do it,” he says, his voice tinged with sadness and perhaps a hint of lingering pain. He then articulates a sentiment that will likely resonate with many viewers who have experienced similar paternal absence: “I don’t understand how men, including your father, put their head on the pillow, knowing they have children out there that they don’t want to have a relationship with.”

This raw and honest reflection on his own father’s shortcomings leads Dyer to consider his role as a parent to his own children. He doesn’t shy away from acknowledging his past mistakes, admitting, “I caused quite a lot of pain to my children, the stuff I was getting up to just being vacant, not engaging, not being available.”

His perspective on what truly matters to children is surprisingly grounded and heartfelt. “It’s not about money. You can live in a cardboard box. Children need stability and affection and to feel like they’re loved. That’s it. When you haven’t got that, it’s a really tough thing,” he states with conviction, demonstrating a clear understanding of the emotional needs of his offspring, perhaps learned through his own difficult experiences.

Adding another layer to his complex family history, Dyer reveals the surprising discovery that his father had a secret family. However, in a testament to his capacity for forgiveness and a desire for connection, he shares that they are now back in touch. “Danny believed he deserved another shot,” the show hints, suggesting a journey of reconciliation and a willingness to rebuild fractured familial bonds.

This upcoming episode of “The Assembly” promises to be more than just a celebrity interview. It’s shaping up to be a deeply human and profoundly moving exploration of addiction, loss, and the long road to self-awareness and healing. While *EastEnders* fans may miss seeing Dyer behind the bar of the Queen Vic, this raw and honest portrayal of his personal struggles offers a different kind of compelling drama – a real-life story of a man confronting his demons and striving to be better. Prepare for tears, revelations, and a newfound respect for the man behind the iconic Mick Carter. This is one spoiler you won’t want to miss!