DOGGING STEVE'S JOB SAFE; EastEnders to support star.

Byline: By CAMERON ROBERTSON and ALLISON MARTIN

EASTENDERS star Steve McFadden is set to save his TV job despite being exposed as a "dogging" pervert.

The BBC last night vowed to stand by the actor, who returns to filming as Phil Mitchell this month.

Ex-girlfriend Angela Bostock - the mother of his two children - alleged that over a 10-year period he enjoyed having sex in public watched by strangers.

Earlier this year Dirty Den actor Leslie Grantham left the show in disgrace after trawling for sex on the internet and mocking soap colleagues.

But an Albert Square insider insisted: "This is not going to affect Steve's position. He's not under contract at the moment. He's not due to return for a while yet, but he will come back.

"Leslie Grantham chose to criticise other cast He was suspended for two months and eventually he went - this is a bit different. These claims are not going to affect Steve's role on EastEnders." The reports claimed that McFadden, 46, forced Angela to go "dogging" in his camper van in car parks and service stations across Europe.

He even wore disguises, like the wig from when he played Captain Hook in pantomime, to avoid being recognised.

Angela, 29, said: "The father of my children is a pervert. Steve loved dirty old men watching us have sex in car parks. It disgusted me, but he told me it was normal."

It was also claimed he made her have sex with a transvestite and fellow "dogger" as he watched.

The estranged couple have two daughters, one aged seven and one aged 15 months.

Last night the curtains were drawn at McFadden's pounds 750,000 North London home. An EastEnders spokesman said: "This is a private matter for Steve."

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JOB: Steve to return as Phil