3am: A very uneasy Ryder.

Byline: Jessica Callan, Niki Waldegrave, Suzanne Kerins

SPARE a thought for ex-EastEnder Jack Ryder.

The out-of-work actor has had to put up with more than just women sending him pants in the post since he became a soap star.

Speaking on Frank Skinner's chat show tonight, the 22-year-old reveals: "One guy wanted to get me in his front room, put the CD of Steps on, cover me in Fairy Liquid and fart in my face."

More original than asking for an autograph. But at least his time in Walford prepared him for humiliating treatment.

Speaking for the first time about Dean Gaffney's shock sacking from the soap, Jack says: "For them to turn around just before Christmas and say you've got six weeks left, after he's given 10 years to the show, I have to say I'm disappointed." Quite. "It's just the way it goes," he continues. "Dean actually rang me when he found out the news. He was really distraught, upset about it and really shocked.

"Christmas is coming and he's got his two twin girls to get all the presents for and he's told that. So he's sitting there thinking 'Jesus'!"

But as Mr Ryder knows better than anyone, there is more to life than appearing in a soap.

When Frank asked if it was true he'd had offers from Hollywood, he replied: "To tell the truth, I'm having a quiet period at the moment.

"I'm spending a lot of time at home with the kids. I've called my agent and they said let's keep things quiet until Christmas and then we'll give you a shout and let you know what's going on."

So that means no then, Jack?