Joe Swash has shared his future hopes for his much-loved EastEnders character, Mickey Miller.
The 39-year-old actor kickstarted his career as the cheeky chap on the BBC One soap back in 2003 and he played out a number of explosive and equally hilarious storylines until his exit in 2008.
Although he made an epic comeback for two episodes three years later, Joe hasn’t tipped his toe in the soap world for almost 13 years – but that’s not to say that he wouldn’t ‘consider’ a return.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Joe revealed that EastEnders was one of the biggest moments in his career, alongside I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
And although he hasn’t yet got the call to head back to Albert Square – despite the ongoing rumours – the former Mickey Miller actor doesn’t think he would be able to turn down the offer.
“You know what, there are always rumours about EastEnders. I would definitely consider going back,” the former soap star told.
“But there’s not been any word and there’s not been any speak of it on my part but I will say there has been two jobs in my life that mean the absolute world to me and that was EastEnders and I’m A Celeb.
“EastEnders started me off on the amazing path that I’m on now, and I absolutely loved my time there.”
“I would never say never. I would never do that, but let's be honest, they don’t seem to need me at the minute but they know where I am when they do,” Joe joked.
“I’m sure it might happen in the future though.”
Joe quickly became a favourite among EastEnders fans when he stormed the small screen in 2003 as the wheeler-dealer character Mickey Miller.
Mickey continuously found himself caught up in various trials and tribulations during his time on Albert Square as he was involved in one money-making scam after another.
On the side of his money-making scams, Mickey worked as a builder and sold trinkets on Bridge Street market to earn some extra dosh.
Sharing his thoughts on what his character may have been up to over the past 13 years since his absence on EastEnders, Joe revealed that he hopes Mickey is still up to his old tricks and that he’s still maintained his good spirited nature.
“I hope that he’s kept that duck-or-dive spirit that he’s got,” Joe enthused.
“I always thought that he was sort of a younger Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses. He was always looking for a quick buck here and there.
“I’d like to think that Mickey has finally struck a bit of luck and has made a little bit of money for himself. But that he’s still got that good spirit and humour.
“I loved playing him.”
While he considers his return to EastEnders, Joe is most definitely being kept busy with other work commitments and his bustling family life as his fiancee Stacey Solomon nears the end of her fourth pregnancy.
The Loose Women star, 31, is expecting the couple's second baby - a little girl - and Joe couldn't be more delighted about.
"It was a magical moment in my life when I found out we were having a little girl," he told The Mirror.
"I've been busy practising doing hair braiding and different hairstyles for her," the proud dad added.
Joe also shares one-year-old son Rex with Stacey, and he is a proud step-dad to Stacey's other boys, Zachary, 13, and Leighton, 9.
The former soap star is also a proud dad to his 13-year-old son Harry, who he shares with his ex Emma Sophocleous.
There's no denying that Joe is kept on his toes in a house full of boys and his pregnant wife-to-be but he's loving being the man of the house - especially when it comes to whipping up meals in the kitchen.
Joe has teamed up with Nutella to launch its first ever ‘Happy Portion’ van, which will be touring the UK and spreading happiness with breakfasts topped with a delicious touch (one heaped teaspoon, 15g) of Nutella.
The van will visit Boxpark Shoreditch, Birmingham Bullring, Manchester Spinningfields, Leeds Victoria and Chester Zoo.
To find out more about Nutella on Tour, visit official Nutella Instagram channel at @nutellauk.
