Kym Marsh has defended Danny Dyer, insisting there is a “lot of stress” involved in working on a soap.
It was claimed last month that Danny was taking an enforced break from BBC show EastEnders after his drinking and unpredictable behaviour caused concern among bosses.
While show representatives denied the claims, Danny has jetted to South Africa to recuperate among the allegations.
Now Kym, who plays Michelle Connor on Coronation Street, has had her say on the scandal, insisting people don’t realise how much work it takes to film a soap.
“There can be a lot of stress working on a soap, so I understand,” she told OK! magazine. “It vexes me when the odd troll has said I haven’t got a ‘real job’.
“Some people think we come into work, have our make-up done and muck around, but it’s not like that – we all work really hard.”
Among Kym’s recent scenes has been a heartbreaking episode surrounding the stillbirth of her son Ruairi. The plot echoed a tragedy Kym suffered in her personal life when her own son Archie was stillborn.
“Filming the number of episodes we make a week is tough,” Kym continued. “I’ve been on Corrie for 11 years and I manage the pressure well.
“I know Danny’s hugely popular, so I hope he gets back to work soon – ‘Enders fans will really miss him.”
Kym’s comments come as Danny’s co-star Richard Blackwood told The Sun Online that EastEnders bosses have not mentioned when Danny will be returning to the show.
“I’ve got no idea when Danny is coming back to work,” Richard said. “It’s not been mentioned, and to be honest we are just getting on with things.
“We’re professionals and we’re getting on with the job.”