`I CAN'T GO ON' ANGUISH OF EASTENDER STAR FRENCH.

Eastenders star Michael French "cracked up" while filming the sensational final episodes that lead to his exit from the top soap.

Michael, who plays love rat David Wicks, broke down on set and told astonished cast members: "I can't go on."

The real-life drama happened as the 34-year-old actor - renowned at Elstree Studios for being a perfectionist - kept getting a scene wrong.

Michael, who is gay, shouted: "I can't do it any more - my mind is numb."

EastEnders fans have been gripped as David's dramatic affair with married mum-of-three Cindy Beale unfolds.

The pair are plotting their escape from Albert Square after devious Ian outmanoeuvres his wife Cindy in the legal battle over custody of their children. But the pressure of filming his closing scenes has left French exhausted.

One source, who witnessed the on-stage bust-up, revealed: "It was late, everyone had been on set all day to try to get everything done before it went into overtime.

"But Michael just kept getting this one line wrong. He suddenly stopped and said he couldn't go on because his mind was numb.

"He stormed off and refused to go back on set until producers had calmed him down.

"Everyone was shocked because he is normally ice cool.

"But he has a heavy schedule because he is filming his last few scenes. He leaves production in the next couple of weeks even though he will be on screen until November."

French has also been in turmoil over his working relationship with Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy.

Only last month, pregnant Michelle fled the set in tears after her co-star refused to take part in extra rehearsals.

Michelle, 32, whose baby is due this month, locked herself in her dressing room after pleading with French to go through one dramatic scene a second time.

Another insider said: "There is tension between them."

That tension is reflected on Albert Square as Cindy hires a hitman to gun down her husband.

Ian survives the assassination attempt and Cindy is forced to kidnap their children to catch the Channel Tunnel train with David. But he backs out at the last minute and leaves her to flee abroad alone.

Then David is forced to leave Albert Square himself after everyone turns against him.

Even his mum Pat Butcher disowns him when he becomes the number one suspect in the hunt for Ian's hitman.

David hands his car lot to daughter Bianca before disappearing to Italy.

While there appears to be no coming back for French, Michelle looks set to return once her baby is born.

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Author:	Newton, Victoria
Publication:	The People (London, England)
Date:	Sep 22, 1996
Words:	428
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