EastEnders fans across the country were left stunned as Danny Dyer, in a tell-all moment, candidly discussed his emotional departure from the long-running BBC soap. His beloved character, Mick Carter, seemingly met a tragic end in a gut-wrenching Christmas Day episode, leaving viewers to grapple with the sudden loss. Now, Dyer has shed light on his decision to leave and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped his exit.
Dyer’s revelations came during his appearance on the debut episode of ITV’s The Assembly, where he was interviewed by a group of autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled interviewers. While big names like Gary Lineker, David Tennant, and Jade Thirlwall also feature in the series, it was Dyer’s insights that grabbed attention. Inevitably, the conversation steered toward Mick’s dramatic send-off, and Dyer didn’t hesitate to admit that bidding farewell to the character was deeply emotional for him.
Reflecting on his nine-year journey with EastEnders, Dyer remarked, “I did that job for nine years. I got to a point where I made a lot of mistakes in my life and no one would hire me anymore.” He credited the show for turning his life around, saying, “EastEnders came along and they said, ‘We love you, we want to put you in the Queen Vic.’ It saved my life because I had bailiffs at my door, and I thought, ‘Oh s**t, I’m going to lose my house.’
The Carters made their iconic debut on EastEnders back in 2013 during a memorable Christmas Day episode, and for Dyer, the experience was “incredible” until 2017 when a new producer changed the show’s trajectory. “The new producer came in and he didn’t like the Carters,” Dyer said. “So he started to sack people, my son [Lee Carter, played by Danny Hatchard], my daughter [Nancy Carter, played by Maddy Hill].” This drastic shift left a lasting impact on Dyer.
His on-screen wife, played by Kellie Bright, remained in the show even after the producers orchestrated a revamp of relationships, splitting up the couple and pairing Mick Carter with Janine. “So when the producers said to me, ‘You’re going to be with Janine,’ I went, ‘Janine? But she murders people.’ I thought, ‘Oh no, if I stay too long, she’ll kill me.’ So I thought, ‘I’ve got to get out,’ so basically I went in the sea and I was never found again,” Dyer shared.
When interviewer Harry expressed hope that Dyer might one day return to EastEnders, Dyer quipped, “Listen, if it all goes t**s up, then I’ll turn up in the pub with seaweed all over me.” His light-hearted yet telling response suggested that a return might not be entirely off the table.
This is far from the first time Dyer has hinted at a comeback. During last year’s National Television Awards, his enthusiastic presentation of the Best New Drama award ended with an offhand plea to “bring Mick back!” The moment sparked excitement among fans, although Dyer later clarified in an interview with RadioTimes.com, reflecting on the humorous nature of his statement during the awards show.
When asked about the possibility of returning to EastEnders, Dyer said, “It’s not down to me, I don’t make these calls. I’ve put it out there and let’s see what happens. We might be busy on the second series of Rivals so, you know, Walford or Rivals – maybe I can do both. Maybe Mick turns out with a moustache back in Walford because he’s doing Rivals – and a fringe.”
For now, Dyer’s future remains an open book, as the excitement surrounding his potential return to EastEnders simmers in the background. As The Assembly is set to premiere on ITV on 26th April, viewers are eager to follow Dyer’s next ventures, hopeful for more insights into the dramatic twists of his career.
