Joe Swash's devastating illness which led to EastEnders axe and double bankruptcy

mirror.co.uk:

Joe Swash was about to give up on acting just before he landed the role of a lifetime on EastEnders. Having only had a few minor roles and an appearance on ITV documentary Club Reps, Joe was fearing he'd never make it in the industry until he was cast as Mickey Miller.

His character was only supposed to be recurring but was so well-liked he got a permanent gig, playing the loveable rogue between 2003 and 2008.

However, Joe was stunned when he was axed by BBC bosses, who said they'd "run out of steam" for his character. This came after a dark time in Joe's live, where his partying had got out of control and he was struck down with a devastating illness.