Danny Hatchard slams Michael Greco
In a column for Digital Spy, Danny Hatchard rejects criticism from former co-star Michael Greco regarding a soap scene. Greco took to X to call a clip of Hatchard playing a drunk character on BBC’s EastEnders everything that is wrong with acting.
The post prompted a lengthy Instagram response from Hatchard, who called the critique classless. Greco later apologised for the remark.
“[Disappointing and classless behaviour from a man I once respected],” Danny Hatchard wrote on Instagram.
Hatchard argued that the post relied on a short clip stripped of context. He said that established actors should support rather than tear down colleagues.
Danny Dyer and Shona McGarty react
Former cast members Danny Dyer and Shona McGarty weighed in on the dispute in the comments of Hatchard’s post. Both actors defended Hatchard and criticized Greco for the public remarks.
McGarty questioned Greco’s motivations in her reply. She pointed out that Greco previously worked on the same soap.
“[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…],” Shona McGarty told Digital Spy.
Dyer also offered direct support to his former screen son. He dismissed the criticism outright.
“[F*** him Dan. You’re a proper actor.”
Michael Greco issues apology
Greco admitted his mistake after facing backlash from fans and colleagues. He acknowledged that he had not watched the programme in years.
“[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.”
EastEnders broadcasts Monday through Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One. Episodes also stream early on BBC iPlayer.
Common questions about the dispute
Why did Michael Greco criticize Danny Hatchard?
Greco commented on an X post featuring a nine-second clip of Hatchard playing an intoxicated character named Lee Carter on EastEnders. Greco argued that the art of playing drunk requires looking sober.
How did Danny Hatchard respond to the criticism?
Hatchard published an Instagram post calling the remarks disappointing and classless. He argued that the clip lacked context and urged industry professionals to support one another.
Did Michael Greco apologize for the comments?
Greco issued an apology acknowledging there was no need for the comment. He admitted he had not watched the soap opera in years and did not know who Hatchard was.
Keep reading