The acting gig that tempted Danny Dyer to quit EastEnders has been revealed.
The Mick Carter actor - who takes a kick to the crotch during his final scenes on the BBC soap - describes his latest project as a 'beautiful piece of work' as he prepares to film the 'powerful, dark script' in Victoria, Australia, later this month.
Danny, 45, announced his upcoming EastEnders exit at the start of this year in order to pursue other ventures, after almost a decade playing Mick on the long-running BBC soap.
"The big news is I've decided not to renew my contract. That's all. That's not because I've fallen out with anybody, I love everybody," the star explained as he announced his pending departure at the start of this year.
Following the dad-of-three revealing the shock news, many have been speculating about what is next for the actor once his on-screen character bids farewell to Albert Square.
As EastEnders fans prepare to see pub landlord Mick's final scenes next month, details of the new, gritty Channel 5 drama Danny will be starring in next have been revealed.
The Football Factory actor will play the lead role in an action thriller called Heat, which sees two families who are long-time friends holiday Down Under during Australian bushfire season - with not everyone making it back home alive!
"I can’t wait to get amongst this beautiful piece of work in Australia. I’ve always been intrigued about working there," Danny told The Sun when discussing his new gig.
"It’s my first gig since EastEnders. Heat has a powerful, dark script and strong Australian cast and crew. Let’s have it!"
Heat will also see Neighbours star Olympia Valance and Richie Morris grace the screens of Channel 5 viewers, in addition to Darren McMullen from 2021 romcom movie Christmas On The Farm, and Jane Allsop from Aussie TV drama Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries.
In addition to his new gritty acting role, Danny is also set for a new presenting role on Channel 4 following his EastEnders exit.
The London-born actor is said to preparing himself to host new reality TV show Scared of The Dark, which will celebrities like The Wanted singer Max George and Scarlett Moffatt denied light for days on end.
According to Channel 4’s website, the stars signed up to take part will be required to perform "thought-provoking" tasks while entrenched in darkness.
"Living in complete and total darkness the celebrities must endure the unique pressures of light deprivation in the lightless space that they will call home," the website added.
If that isn't enough to keep the star busy, Danny will also host a travel show for E4 with his Love Island daughter Dani, and a gameshow for Netflix called Cheat.
Danny became a wanted man once he announced his decision to quit EastEnders, as he told fans in January this year: "I am leaving EastEnders. I'm very lucky, I'm very grateful.
"When you're in a job like a soap your contract comes up for renewal and every time it has they've asked me to stay, and I'm very grateful for that. Because I've seen a lot of people come and go. It's very tough.”
He continued: "I always debate whether I want to sign again and I've been contemplating a while now about whether it's time to roll the dice, take the leap."
"The big news is I've decided not to renew my contract. That's all. That's not because I've fallen out with anybody, I love everybody. That job has been amazing for me. It's an important part of television."
He added: "I'm grateful for the beautiful years I've had there. I'm going to miss the people massively. It's me taking a risk."
