EastEnders has shut down reports of an on-set rat “infestation”.

Press reports have claimed that rodents had been nesting in the props room at the Elstree Centre, where the BBC soap is filmed – leading pest control specialists to visit.

An official report quoted in The Sun stated: “Attended site for call-out due to reported rat activity in the EastEnders prop store mezzanine floor.

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“A thorough visual inspection was carried out showing chewed products/nesting material.”

Responding to reports, an EastEnders spokesperson played down suggestions of an “infestation” on set, saying in a statement: “There is no rat infestation at EastEnders but on the odd occasion, if we have suspected an unauthorised visit from a furry visitor, we have called in the specialists.”

In less whiskery news, Danny Dyer recently said that “everyone is asking” about whether he’ll return to the show as Mick Carter.

Mick is believed to have died after being lost at sea, seemingly sacrificing himself to save the love of his life Linda in 2022’s dramatic Christmas Day storyline.

“Look, I take it as a compliment that people want me to go back. Who knows? If there’s no closure there, then maybe I would come back for a dream sequence. I don’t think Mick could just rock up covered in seaweed!” he told Heatworld.

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However, Dyer, who will appear in Disney+ drama Rivals later this year, said he’s open to returning for some scenes “if they did it right” – particularly with EastEnders’ 40th anniversary celebrations coming up next February.

“If they came up with an idea of maybe Linda drunk or hallucinating, then I would come back and do some scenes with her,” he added.

“You know, because I do miss Kellie [Bright], and I think maybe that would stop people asking me when I’m f**king going back!”