EXCLUSIVE: Former EastEnders actor Joshua Pascoe has revealed the two classic TV shows that could lure him out of retirement, admitting that Only Fools and Horses is one of his all-time favourites.
A former EastEnders star has revealed that a revival of Only Fools and Horses could persuade him to come out of retirement. The actor admitted that there are only two television shows that would make him consider returning to the acting industry.
Joshua Pascoe, who is best known for portraying Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap, left the entertainment industry several years ago and now enjoys a much quieter life away from the spotlight. Although he has no immediate plans to return to television, he has revealed that two particular programmes could make him reconsider his decision.
When asked what might convince him to come out of retirement, Joshua said: “Only Fools and Horses and Boardwalk Empire are my two favourites so those are the only two that would turn my head. They are both classics.”
The revelation comes more than a decade after Joshua left Albert Square, having portrayed Ben Mitchell on EastEnders from 2010 to 2012.
After stepping away from acting, Joshua pursued a very different career, trading scripts and filming schedules for work on a building site before achieving unexpected online success through adult content.
The former soap star recently disclosed that fans remain fascinated by his EastEnders character, with some subscribers even requesting content inspired by his role as Phil Mitchell’s troubled son.
Reflecting on the unexpected reaction, he said: “I put a video up of me in my glasses and it went crazy… I won’t even repeat some of what people have said. It’s amazing how many people have said Ben Mitchell is a fantasy… it sounds so strange to say, but people like it.”
Joshua confessed that he never imagined his character would remain such a popular topic of conversation years after he left the soap.
As acting opportunities gradually became less frequent, he decided to explore a different career path and find work outside the entertainment industry.
“The acting slowly dried up and I went to work on a building site instead,” he explained.
“Then my friends suggested I start the adult work and within the first month I was in double figures. I get funny looks sometimes, but no one’s asked me about it at work yet.”
Joshua also admitted that some of the requests he receives online have taken him by surprise, revealing that the experience has introduced him to the wide range of interests people have.
“The market for blokes’ feet is mad… when I first got speaking to people they were like, ‘Can we see a picture of your feet?’ There are so many different kinks and since starting this, I’ve realised I’m not as vanilla as I thought.”
Joshua made his mark on EastEnders history through one of the soap’s darkest storylines, in which Ben killed Heather Trott, portrayed by Cheryl Fergison, before eventually being sent to prison.
He previously described leaving the show at just 16 as a “double edged sword”, explaining that although he was proud to have been part of such a significant storyline, saying goodbye to the character was challenging.
Despite finding unexpected success since stepping away from acting, Joshua says he is happy with his life away from the limelight.
“I’ve been out of the acting world for years now. I’ve just got a normal job. I’m a normal bloke. I’ve got a nine to five, Monday to Friday. I’m humble… There’s nothing flashy or lairy about me.”
- EastEnders New Year Shooter Unmasked as Fans Claim to Crack the Max Branning Mystery
- Tears at the Castle as Two Celebrity Traitors Exit and a Secret Link Is Revealed
- EastEnders star says an Only Fools and Horses reboot could tempt him out of retirement
- EastEnders Welcomes Netflix Star for Heartbreaking Kat Moon Scenes Tonight
- Coronation Street fans distracted by Sarah Platt’s courtroom detail as they call it ‘laughable’
