Danny Hatchard hits out at ‘classless and disappointing’ EastEnders star

Danny has reprised his role as Lee in EastEnders once more (Picture: BBC) EastEnders’s Danny Hatchard has responded to a hurtful comment made by former soap star Michael Greco. Danny, who is 35, returned to the BBC One soap earlier this year as Lee Carter. Lee’s mum, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), discovered that he was awaiting the arrival of his first baby. Due to the fact Lee’s partner, Jess, couldn’t carry a child, his sister Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill) agreed to act as a surrogate. Viewers eventually discovered that Lee and Jess’ relationship had become incredibly strained as a result of a multitude of factors, one of them being Lee’s relationship with alcohol. During this storyline, a scene aired recently that saw Lee drunkenly walk through Walford. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Following the episode, former star of the show Michael Greco, who played Beppe Di Marco, took to social media platform X to share a harsh comment towards Danny. He wrote: ‘The art of playing drunk is to try and be as sober as you can. This is everything that is wrong’. Danny took to his Instagram and posted a reply to Michael. In the caption, he said: ‘Disappointing and classless behaviour from a man I once respected. ‘Having been in this business for over 15 years, I’ve developed a pretty thick skin. I’ve also learned that for every hater, there are a hundred people showing love and support. Those are the people I choose to focus my energy on. Michael is best known for his role as Beppe in EastEnders (Picture: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘But scrolling past someone I once respected jumping on a hateful bandwagon to publicly criticise a fellow actor’s work, based on a nine second clip shared by a troll on X, completely stripped of context, is a level of disrespect I genuinely struggle to understand. He added: ‘We work in an industry where we should be supporting one another, not tearing each other down for a few likes. ‘I’m just grateful I’m no longer in my early twenties, because back then, something like this would have absolutely destroyed my confidence. Anyway, onwards. More fuel in the tank, more lessons learned and more motivation to keep growing. ‘Remember to be kind, folks. Even if you are Beppe.’ Michael has since apologised for the comment he made. In response to Danny’s tweet that said ‘Expected a little more class from you Greco’, Michael wrote: ‘I apologise for my comment. Was pointless and out of character. Should give fellow actors more support.’ Michael also replied to Danny’s Instagram post and said: ‘I apologise for my comment. Was no need for it. Should’ve been the bigger man and seen the bigger picture. I haven’t watched Eastenders for many years so I don’t even know who you were or what I was commenting on. No need for it.’ Danny’s followers rushed to the comments section of his social media post to share support, all in agreement that he’s doing an incredible job in Lee’s storyline. ‘You’re doing amazing!!! My partner even said after last nights episode, how the hell does he play being drunk so well, they must be given some alcohol and he’s not a very complementary person’, this fan said. Another wrote: ‘I think you “ play drunk “ brilliantly! Just like linda makes me laugh.’ This Instagram user added: ‘We think your doing an amazing job’, while another fan of Danny’s penned: ‘The haters know nothing! You are amazing Dan, as I’ve told you the last 9 years! Endlessly proud of you. And absolutely loving having you back on Enders’. This week, Lee, Nancy and brother Johnny (Charlie Suff) discovered from Linda that their dad, Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) was dead. Linda had visited Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) after learning that Mick’s body had been found. She couldn’t bring herself to identify the body in the coffin, and asked new partner Max Branning (Jake Wood) to do it instead. This led to Max discovering that Janine had lied about Mick’s fate just to get her hands on some money. Knowing he’ll never measure up to former Queen Vic landlord Mick, Max contemplated doing as Janine commanded – telling Linda that the body was that of her ex-husband in order to close the chapter on Mick forever. Max made it quite clear last week that he’s jealous of the relationship Linda had with Mick and vowed to make her forget that her one true love ever existed. Deals of the Day 14,500 five-star reviews later, this cult sleep spray is discounted for Black Friday Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday And in typical Max fashion, he put his own needs above those of the person he claims to love, telling Linda that the body was Mick’s, hoping this would allow her to move on with him. Arrow MORE: Linda drink aftermath and hospital dash confirmed as EastEnders spoilers reveal what happens next Arrow MORE: Coronation Street star in hospital after falling unwell Arrow MORE: Real-life Coronation Street couple ‘split’ just months after relationship’s ‘hard launch’ The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.