"EastEnders Star Opens Up About Financial Struggles Before Joining the Show"

AN EASTENDERS star has admitted how he was “skint” and struggled to provide for his family before joining the soap.

Actor in the soap on and off for 13 years – but has revealed how life was very different before finding fame.

Actor Don Gilet has opened up about a tough time he faced before finding fame on EastEndersCredit: Alamy The actor is known for playing serial killer Lucas Johnson on EastEndersCredit: BBC Don left EastEnders when his character was banged up in prisonCredit: BBC

The actor’s role saw him play an evil Pentecostal preacher who went on a killing spree that saw him .

Lucas’ ex wife Tina faced one of the most gruesome deaths, as the man of the cloth impaled her on a rake.

The character then went on to frame his wife Denise for his sick murders before faking her suicide and keeping her locked in a basement for months.

The after his wife managed to escape from the basement he had her locked in and reveal his crimes.

In a new interview, actor Don has revealed how the role of Lucas came at just the right time for him and his family.

The star has revealed before bagging the part, he was “struggling to pay the mortgage”.

Speaking to The Big Issue , Don said “When EastEnders came along [in 2008], I was broke. I felt that me and this business were parting ways. Flynn was born and work was just not around so I was delivering cars.

“I started to think, well, you had a good time but that’s it. I’d thought things were happening for me when I did 55 Degrees North and Doctor Who – I thought I might go to a new level.

“But then, nothing. A lot of actors stay below the radar, so I thought I’d had my chance to shine and was disappearing again. And you need to bring money in to pay the mortgage so I was working for a car company and having a good time, just me in a nice car driving from A to B.”

Continuing, Don candidly said: “This business is not a meritocracy. I know a lot of actors who are much better than me, but for whatever reason it never happens.

“That’s the way it is. Nothing’s a sure thing. I was laidback about the audition to play Lucas Johnson, there wasn’t that desperation because I was almost transitioning out of the business.

“Then I got the part and, wow, I’m back on the train.”

QUITTING ALBERT SQUARE

After being on EastEnders on and off since 2008, again.

Speaking about his character Lucas being sent to prison, the actor said: “It would have been nice to explore Lucas’ life in the Square but too much has happened and too many people have been hurt around him so him saving Chelsea was the best thing for him to do.

“Sacrificing his freedom for his daughter finally showed Chelsea that Lucas has changed in a somewhat bittersweet way.”

Despite leaving the soap, in January 2024 as part of the .

It came when Denise visited him in prison, after being advised to speak with someone who understands murder and guilt following the death of Keanu Taylor.

Don now plays the lead detective in Death In ParadiseCredit: BBC

LIFE AFTER WALFORD

Since leaving EastEnders, the actor’s career has gone from strength to strength.

In May 2024, it was revealed as the latest leading man .

Don stepped into , and is now known for playing Detective Inspector Mervin WiIson.

Previously speaking about : “I’m sure it won’t be a surprise to say that it was both exciting and terrifying in equal measure.

“I liken it to one of those scary rides at a theme park. I’m going on it, and I know it’s going to be scary, but I’m going to do it.

“You’re daring yourself. Then you sit in the seat going, “What have I just let myself in for?!”

The actor joined the smash hit BBC show in 2024Credit: PA