Danny Dyer exited EastEnders on Thursday night, following his decision to take a break from the BBC soap. Viewers watched as his character Mick Carter made a swift exit from Albert Square upon hearing the news that his daughter Nancy had been hit by a car in Bulgaria. The scene, which lasted less than a minute, saw Whitney booking a plane to Sofia for Mick so he can be by Nancy's side, with the family using baby Oli's savings to pay for the flight. Some viewers found the emotional scene, in which Mick struggled to hold back tears, hard to watch.
© Photo: BBCDanny Dyer is currently on a temporary break from EastEnders
STORY: EastEnders' Bradley Branning looks unrecognisable in new photo
"Poor Mick. His world is falling apart," one fan tweeted, with another simply writing: "I'm crying." A third wrote: "Oh god, not our Nancy. Guess this is how they're going to explain Mick's absence over the next few weeks." Mick has had to deal with a number of issues in recent months - including mounting debts, police trouble and the absence of his wife Linda. But Thursday's episode saw him dealt the worst blow yet as he was told that Nancy – who has been travelling abroad with boyfriend Tamwar – had been hit by a car.
© Photo: BBCThe actor has played pub landlord Mick Carter since 2013
Danny has been on a temporary break from EastEnders since last month, and recently arrived back in the UK following a short holiday in South Africa. It is not known exactly when he is due to return to the soap, but it is thought to be a case of weeks rather than months. A BBC spokesperson confirmed at the time: "Danny is on a short break from EastEnders. This was not enforced by bosses, nor has he quit the show." The statement was issued in response to reports that the 39-year-old was suffering from "exhaustion". Danny joined EastEnders in 2013, and has become one of the soap's most popular stars. He has won two National Television Awards for serial drama performance for his role.
STORY: Samantha Womack breaks silence on EastEnders departure
