Danny Dyer, who plays pub landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders, is taking a short break from the soap. A BBC spokesman confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Danny is on a short break from EastEnders. This was not enforced by bosses nor has he quit the show." The broadcasting corporation was responding to reports that Danny, 39, is suffering from "exhaustion". Danny joined the soap in 2013 as the landlord of the Queen Victoria pub. His character Mick is married to Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, and has been praised as one of the show's most popular stars. Danny has won two National Television Awards for serial drama performance for his role.
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Earlier this month, the actor – who married his childhood sweetheart Joanne Mas in a wedding exclusively covered by HELLO! last year – revealed that he would like to be the next Doctor Who. Following Peter Capaldi's announcement that he is leaving the iconic role, Danny said he could see himself as the next Time Lord. "I'd be interested in it," Danny told the Daily Star. "I could see myself in the scarf and all that." He added that he would bring a Cockney spin to the part. "I think I could do it easily," he said. "I'd keep my accent too."
Danny Dyer has won two National Television Awards for serial drama performance
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Danny has previously hinted that he is looking to move on from Albert Square. Speaking at the National Television Awards last month, he said: "Four years is a long time. It's been really rewarding but there's other stuff out there. I'd love to show other sides to me. I loved theatre and all that."
The actor plays pub landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders
Meanwhile, a new cast member is joining EastEnders – Lee Ryan. The 33-year-old, who is best known as a member of British boyband Blue, will appear on screen this spring for a short stint as bad boy 'Woody' Woodward. "I'm so excited to be part of the show," Lee said of his new TV project. "Woody is a brilliant character and the best role I could have wished to play. It's clear he has been leading a full and colourful life – I can't wait for people to see what he's like. Everyone at EastEnders has been so welcoming. I know some of the cast already, so I'm sure we're going to have a lot of fun."