BEPPE ATTACK SHOCKS STARS.

EASTENDERS stars were in shock yesterday at the news of Michael Greco's vicious assault.

The actor, who plays Beppe Di Marco, had his jaw smashed by three thugs on Christmas Day.

As he was beaten up in Croydon, Surrey, one of the men said: "I'm going to give you some, like Grant gave you."

Last night, fellow stars Barbara Windsor and June Brown said they were disgusted by the attack.

Barbara, who plays Peggy, said: "This is dreadful.

"Unfortunately, being recognised goes with the territory.

"Michael is a young man and other young men don't like the fact he's goodlooking and think he's rich."

June, alias Albert Square busybody Dot, said she couldn't believe that Michael had been attacked.

She said: "I can't understand why people would pick on an actor. Its not even like he's done anything bad. All he's done is fall in love with Tiffany."

She added: "It is frightening that there are people who confuse the character with the actor."

The EastEnders cast are due back at work on Monday after a two-week holiday but it seems unlikely that Michael will be joining them.

He had to undergo a two-hour operation to have a metal rod inserted in his jaw and doctors say it may be six months before he is properly well again.