Danny Dyer beamed with happiness as he enjoyed a meal with his family this week, amid reports he’s signed a new two-year contract with EastEnders.
The 40-year-old, best known these days as Mick Carter, was snapped out at a restaurant with mum Christine and daughter Dani.
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Photos posted to Instagram by actress Dani, 21, show the soap star sitting in a booth smiling for the camera while surrounded by his loved ones.
In one snap he’s also seen grinning proudly as Dani throws her arms around his neck.
She captioned the pic: “Couple of Dyers knocking about I reckon.”
However, one person not seen in any of the images is Danny’s wife Joanne Mas, although she could have been the one taking the pictures off-camera…
There have been rumours swirling about the couple’s marriage in recent months, with claims Danny moved out of their family home and allegations he had a fling with Celebrity Big Brother’s Sarah Harding in the past.
Other claims suggested Jo was unhappy about some of the people Danny had been hanging around with.
Neither Danny nor Jo have ever said anything about the various rumours, so it’s always been a bit unclear just what is going on or what to believe.
What is known is the pair came together for Dani’s 21st birthday earlier this summer and were seen posing together for a snap in the garden during the party.
A source at the party told the Daily Star: “They looked so happy together. You wouldn’t think they weren’t a couple any more.
“Everyone’s hoping that they will get back together.
“They’ve known each other since they were 14.”
Last month, a source told The Mirror that Danny and Jo were working to repair their romance – although, once again, they haven’t actually confirmed that.
“Danny is still living in the new flat but relations with Jo have improved a lot,” an insider claimed.
“They both came together for their daughter Dani’s 21st birthday and had a great time. They are working things out.
“But Jo has given Danny a list of conditions and one is that while they patch things up, she won’t do his washing.”
Meanwhile, whatever is happening off-camera, things are apparently looking very good for Danny on-camera.
The Daily Star Sunday claimed over the weekend that he’d signed a new two-year deal on EastEnders with promises of a juicy storyline over Christmas.
“The last year has been a bit up and down for Danny and his character Mick,” said a source.
“His on-screen wife Kellie Bright was off on maternity leave for a lot of it, so there was only so much they could do with him.
“It’s a slightly different path for his character – there’s going to be bother. It’s all top secret but fans won’t be disappointed, especially as Danny has signed for two years.”
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The storyline has been kept under wraps for now, but we do know it involves Easties newcomer, Hollywood star Patrick Bergin, who will arrive in Walford soon as the villainous Aidan Maguire.
Aidan’s an old prison pal of Phil Mitchell’s who will become embroiled in an explosive storyline with Phil and Mick over the festive season.
Exciting!