A FORMER EastEnders legend has been spilling the beans on a tense behind-the-scenes feud.
The former soap star has today revealed how Phil Mitchell actor Steve McFadden, 65, once “wanted to punch his co-star in the face” after an on set incident.
A former EastEnders star has revealed Steve McFadden almost ‘came to blows’ with one of his co-stars[/caption]
Michael Greco played Beppe di Marco on the long-running soap and has been spilling the beans[/caption]
Michael revealed that his on screen brother Marc Bannerman left Steve fuming[/caption]
Michael Greco, 54, who played Beppe di Marco on the long-running soap from 1998 until 2002, spilled the tea on the incident back in the 90s.
The actor was part of the Di Marco clan who were introduced to EastEnders as rivals to the infamous Mitchell family.
Alongside Beppe, the line-up also included brother Gianni played by Marc Bannerman.
Now, over two decades late Michael has revealed the Di Marco/Mitchell feud spilled out into real life.
The former soap star said there was an incident during filming, which saw actor Steve fuming – and resulted in him not speaking to Michael or his on-screen brother Marc for months.
Speaking on Suffolk Sound Radio, he said: “When I was doing a scene with my on screen brother Gianni played by Marc Bannerman, we were filming with the Mitchell brothers, and Gianna improvised and spat on the floor and Steve went mental, effing and jeffing, I thought he was going to hit Marc, he went crazy.
“I was looking at my script thinking, I don’t think that was in the script and the director had to come over and tell Steve to calm down.
Continuing with the tale, Michael said: “And the director came over and told us that Steve wanted to send us to Coventry, I didn’t know what that meant.
“I turned to Marc and said, I don’t want to go to Coventry, why do they want to send us to there?!”
“So from that moment, they didn’t speak to us for about 6 months!”
The Sun has gone to the BBC for a comment.
NOT INVITED BACK
Meanwhile, this latest revelation comes just days after Michael revealed he wasn’t invited back to take part in the EastEnders 40th anniversary special.
A number of star names have made huge comebacks to the long-running soap in recent months.
The likes of Tracy-Ann Oberman, Joe Swash and Call The Midwife star Cliff Parisi have reprised their fan-favourite characters.
“I didn’t get the call, I wasn’t asked to go back at all,” Michael said.
“I’m not on their radar so, I think if wasn’t asked back to help with their 40th I don’t think I never go back.”
However, it’s not all bad news for the actor.
Despite not appearing on EastEnders for a number of years, he still earns money from the soap.
He admitted: “Yeah I know about the re-runs. I get a £1.27 repeat fees every six months from episodes.”
EastEnders’ 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford’s past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
The Di Marco family was brought in to rival the Mitchell family[/caption]
The character departed the square in a black cab for a new life in Leicester[/caption]
EastEnders continues on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
