Prepare for a shocking and brutally honest exposé from former EastEnders star Danny Dyer, as the actor pulls no punches in revealing the dark underbelly of his time on the beloved BBC soap. Best known before his Albert Square stint for his gritty roles in films like Human Traffic, Mean Machine, and The Football Factory, Dyer captivated audiences for nearly a decade as the iconic Mick Carter, a role that tragically concluded in 2022. Now, years after his departure, the outspoken 47-year-old has unleashed a torrent of accusations against the show, painting a picture of intense pressure, a debilitating drug spiral, and even desperate measures taken to curb his on-set drinking.

Speaking candidly at a charity event for Wimbledon Football Club, Dyer didn’t mince his words when reflecting on his tenure in Walford. His bombshell revelations paint a stark contrast to the often-glamourized world of television, exposing the immense strain he allegedly endured behind the scenes. “I was off my nut for a lot of that job,” Dyer confessed to the stunned audience. His admission laid bare the personal struggles that seemingly shadowed his portrayal of the Queen Vic’s popular landlord. “I was squinting a lot for a couple of years. A lot of Valium and Diazepam,” he chillingly added, suggesting a reliance on prescription drugs to cope with the relentless demands of the show.

Dyer didn’t shy away from detailing the grueling workload that he claims fueled his reliance on medication. “You have 30 pages a day you’ve got to learn. There’s no ‘thing about.’ You organically make the scene work. You rehearse nothing. It f***s your nut up.” His words paint a picture of a high-pressure environment where actors were expected to deliver consistently under immense time constraints, leaving little room for preparation or a healthy work-life balance.

The actor’s revelations took an even darker turn as he disclosed the devastating impact this pressure had on his personal life and well-being. “I ended up in rehab twice,” he somberly admitted, underscoring the severity of his struggles during his time on the soap. These admissions paint a troubling picture of an individual grappling with significant personal challenges amidst the demanding world of serial drama.

Adding a bizarre and almost unbelievable layer to his account, Dyer claimed that his struggles with alcohol even infiltrated the iconic Queen Victoria pub, his character’s on-screen domain. He alleged that desperate measures were taken by crew members to prevent him from drinking on set. “When I first arrived on set, I was slipping around the side and having a few lagers, and they found out. So, they started to put TCP into the beer. I wasn’t off my nut. I had a drink every now and again,” he stated, the image of antiseptic-laced beer barrels painting a surreal and disturbing picture of the lengths allegedly taken to control his behavior.

Beyond his personal battles, Dyer also launched a scathing critique of the show’s storylines and the overall working environment. He didn’t hold back in labeling some narratives as “mental,” specifically citing a past romantic entanglement involving Janine Butcher. Furthermore, he expressed his dismay over the decision to kill off the popular character Lola Pearce last year, branding it a “waste.”

His criticism extended to the alleged lack of consideration for the actors’ personal lives, painting a picture of a relentless production machine that prioritized output above all else. “You earn good money, but you ain’t got time to go to a cash point. You have no life. The amount of birthdays I missed. If someone dies in your family, they won’t even let you go to the funeral. It’s such a machine. There’s not much duty of care. That’s the truth. On EastEnders, there is no messing about and you’ve got to do it. It is the hardest part of our job.” Dyer’s words paint a bleak picture of a demanding and unforgiving work environment.

Taking a swipe at the perceived fragility of Hollywood stars, Dyer suggested that A-list actors would be unable to cope with the pressures of working on a show like EastEnders. He, who reportedly earned a substantial £25,000 per year during his time on the soap, implied that the sheer volume and pace of work would overwhelm those accustomed to a different level of production.

In response to Dyer’s explosive claims, a spokesperson for EastEnders issued a statement to Metro, firmly denying the allegations. “We would never discuss an individual’s private matters. However, we do not recognize these claims. EastEnders has extremely robust and well-established procedures in place to safeguard the welfare of everyone who works on the show.” This official denial sets the stage for a potential clash of narratives, with the show vehemently refuting the actor’s damaging accusations.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, an unnamed source close to EastEnders reportedly told the same publication that Dyer’s claims have left many who work on the show “baffled.” The source pointed out the “odd move” from the actor, especially considering his past expressions of interest in potentially returning to the long-running series, which has been a staple of British television since 1985. This suggests a potential disconnect between Dyer’s public pronouncements and his private sentiments, or perhaps a significant shift in his perspective since leaving the show.

Further shedding light on his initial motivations for joining EastEnders, Dyer revealed on the upcoming episode of BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that he took the role of Mick Carter out of financial necessity. “I had graft. No one would hire me, and the more I’m doing these club appearances, the more drugs I’m taking and drink. So, I’m in this weird spiral,” he confessed, highlighting a period of personal and professional instability that led him to Albert Square.

His struggles seemingly extended beyond his time on the soap, as Dyer also recently spoke on The Assembly about being temporarily kicked out by his wife, Joanne Mas, whom he first started dating in 1992. He candidly discussed her taking control of his bank accounts, admitting, “She controls everything now. She did kick me out because I was a pino no count and she deserved better. He revealed sometimes I would go out and get off my head, take drugs and I wouldn’t come home for 3 days. I had issues. I never wanted the party to end. She had every right to throw me out.” These personal revelations further underscore the turbulent period Dyer appears to have navigated during and around his time on EastEnders.

Danny Dyer’s explosive allegations paint a potentially damaging picture of the inner workings of one of Britain’s most beloved television institutions. His claims of a relentless work environment, a reliance on drugs to cope, and even bizarre attempts to control his drinking on set are likely to send shockwaves through the industry and among loyal viewers. While EastEnders vehemently denies these accusations, Dyer’s candid and often shocking account raises serious questions about the pressures faced by actors in long-running serial dramas and the level of support provided to them. This unfolding drama behind the scenes could have significant repercussions for the show’s reputation and will undoubtedly leave fans and industry insiders alike eager to hear more.