EastEnders' Danny Hatchard embroiled in row with 'hateful' former soap star Michael Greco for publicly criticising his acting

EastEnders' Danny Hatchard has found himself embroiled in a bitter row with 'hateful' former soap star Michael Greco who publicly criticised his acting.

Danny, 35, – who is best known for playing Lee Carter in the BBC show – has hit back after Michael made a social media comment about one of his scenes where he walks along the street drunk.

Danny returned to EastEnders earlier this year as Lee and since his storyline has followed him descending into alcoholism amid his troubled relationship with partner Jess.

During this storyline, a scene aired recently that saw Lee drunkenly walk through Walford.

After the episode aired Michael, 56, shared a mean comment under a clip of the scene which was circulating on social media.

He cruelly penned: 'The art of playing drunk is to try and be as sober as you can. This is everything that is wrong.'

Danny then soon hit back on his Instagram, resharing the comment and writing in response: '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.

'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.

'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 – who played Beppe di Marco in EastEnders – has since apologised for the comment.

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, writing: '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 was supported under his post by pals, as fellow EastEnders star Shona McGarty penned: 'You are fantastic!! Always have been! I can't believe that comment, coming from someone who was in the show too, and would probs love to be back….'

Others wrote: '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.',

'What's he on about lol you were great!' 'Not Michael Greco giving acting advice.',

'Keep going I adore seeing Lee on our screens you're perfect to all of us.'

Danny first joined the soap cast in 2014 as the eldest son of Mick and Linda Carter and returned to Albert Square in late 2026.

Upon returning to Walford, it was revealed that Lee and his partner Jess were expecting their first child via surrogacy with his sister Nancy. 

His current storyline highlights the severe strain in their relationship and his ongoing struggles with alcohol.