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EastEnders star 'never spoke to co-star again' after backstage cigarette row

EXCLUSIVE: Former EastEnders star Joshua Pascoe has revealed he cut ties with a mystery co-star after refusing to give the 'multi-millionaire' another cigarette backstage

[Joshua played Ben Mitchell on the soap]

Joshua played Ben Mitchell on the soap(Image: BBC)

Former EastEnders star Joshua Pascoe has revealed he never spoke to one of his co-stars again after refusing to hand over a cigarette during a backstage clash.

The actor, who played Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap from 2010-2012, recalled the awkward encounter while reflecting on his time behind the scenes at Albert Square, insisting he wasn't impressed by the behaviour of a wealthier cast member. Although Joshua refused to name the actor involved, he claimed the star was a "multi-millionaire" who regularly asked younger cast members for cigarettes instead of bringing his own.

Speaking exclusively, Joshua said: "I'm not going to say names, but there were a few at EastEnders. I used to smoke back then and there was one particular actor. He was a multi-millionaire.

[Joshua]

Joshua spoke about his backstage encounter(Image: Joshua Pascoe)

"He would only do it to the young ones. He'd come out and say, 'Yeah, course, have you got a fag?'"

Joshua explained that after repeatedly handing over cigarettes, he eventually decided enough was enough.

"In the end, one morning he came up to me and said, 'Can I have a fag?' I said, 'I'm not giving you any more. You've got more money than me, mate.'"

According to Joshua, the exchange marked the end of their relationship.

"He never spoke to me ever again," he revealed. "I thought, 'No, I can't stand ponces.' Especially when you've got more money than me as well."

The former soap star insisted the issue was never about the cost of a cigarette, but what he saw as the principle behind it.

[Joshua has launched his adult site]

Joshua has launched his adult site(Image: Joshua Pascoe)

"It's not about the money, it's the principle," he said. "It's strange, but they like to do that and pick on the younger ones. Nine times out of 10, people would just say, 'Yeah, okay.'"

Joshua also painted a picture of life behind the scenes on EastEnders* revealing the smoking area was a popular place for cast members to socialise between scenes.

"We had our dressing rooms, then the AD room, then the green room and make-up, and just outside of that is where everyone would congregate to have a cigarette, but its's probably not there anymore," he explained.

Despite the unpleasant experience, Joshua stressed that the overwhelming majority of people he worked with during his time on the long-running soap were kind and welcoming.

"I've been very grateful," he said. "Most people I've worked with have been nice."

While the identity of the mystery co-star remains under wraps, Joshua made it clear the backstage disagreement was one encounter he has never forgotten.

In other news, Joshua has been focusing on building his adult site portfolio and can be found on Instagram and Only Fans.

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