Joe Swash teases ‘really exciting’ return to acting 16 years on from quitting EastEnders

JOE Swash has told fans to “watch this space” as he teased a “really exciting” TV comeback.

The 42-year-old TV personality played the role of cheeky chappy Mickey Miller on EastEnders from 2003 to 2008.

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Joe Swash has hinted at a return to acting[/caption]

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The former EastEnders star told fans to ‘watch this space’[/caption]

And it seems as if the fan-favourite character might be returning to Albert Square 16 years after his “disappointing” exit. 

In a recent interview, the former soap star turned TV presenter hinted at an “exciting” return to the acting industry.

Speaking on stepping back into his old territory, Joe told Express.co.uk: “I can’t say too much – but I have some really exciting things happening this year – so watch this space!”

Following his arrival in Albert Square—initially as a guest character—Joe was later joined by his real-life younger sister Shana Swash, 33, who played his on-screen sibling Demi Miller. 

During his five years on EastEnders, Joe’s character Mickey was involved in exciting storylines such as money scams, his turbulent relationship with Kareena Ferreira, his male escorting stint and many more. 

His jovial, charismatic personality attracted many fans, who were shocked to see him, his on-screen stepfather Keith Miller, played by David Spinx, and their dog Genghis leave the Square in 2008. 

At the time, an inside Eastenders source told The Sun: “[Joe] and David [who plays Keith] were told their characters had run out of steam by EastEnders boss Diederick Santer.

“Joe was stunned at first. He’s loved playing Mickey and felt the fans still enjoyed watching his antics.”

Joe’s character Mickey briefly returned to the show in September 2011 for Darren Millers’ wedding to Jodie Gold. 

Due to feeling guilty about sleeping with sex with bridesmaid Lauren Branning, Darren called off the wedding.

In later scenes, the two on-screen stepbrothers go to the pub for a drink, and Mickey tells Darren he is proud of him before leaving the show again.

Last year, during a conversation with his I’m A Celebrity… South Africa campmate Carol Vorderman Joe expressed disappointment over his sudden exit from the hit soap opera. 

He disclosed the 63-year-old: “I had the worst outro ever! I didn’t even leave at the end of the episode.

“So usually you leave at the end of the episode, and you get the ‘doof doof’. Mine, I went to Norwich to be a bellboy at a hotel, and mid-scene, I just walked into the Vic and went, ‘Right, see you later’.

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Joe started playing the role of Mickey in 2003 and left in 2008, briefly returning in 2011[/caption]

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Joe Swash and Stacey Solomon have big plans in store[/caption]

“They turned back to Phil, turned back to me, and I’d gone. I was like, ‘What, that’s it?’ I was there five years and not one ‘doof doof’!”

Elsewhere, Joe has other plans in motion as he has considered a significant move in his personal life. 

Last year, the former EastEnders star revealed to The Mirror that he and his wife, Stacey Solomon, will ‘always consider’ becoming foster parents. 

Joe holds the subject close to his chest and recently became the first ambassador of Comfort Cases, a foster care charity that helps vulnerable children across England and Wales.

The actor’s mum, Kiffy, has been a foster carer for over 11 years, influencing him to advocate for fostering.

Joe still has a close relationship with his foster sibling, Daniel, who came into their lives at the Tender age of just seven years old.

Talking about the subject, he informed Express.co.uk: “It would definitely be of interest to both Stacey and me [to become foster parents], as we have seen the difference my mum has made to little Daniel’s life and the young man he is growing up to be.

“And it truly scares us to think what could’ve happened if my mum had never met him and the difference it would’ve made to his life.”

In addition to his EastEnders stardom, Joe went on to win I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2008 and Dancing on Ice in 2020.

He also achieved a successful presenting career on the I’m a Celeb spin-off show Extra Camp.