EastEnders star Swash in hospital

Joe Swash's character Mickey (far left) arrived in the Square in 2003

EastEnders actor Joe Swash, who plays wheeler-dealer Mickey Miller in the TV soap, is in hospital in London after falling ill earlier this week.

An EastEnders spokesman declined to comment on reports about the illness, but said the actor's family would be releasing more details early next week.

The spokesman added that the illness was a private matter for the 23-year-old and his family.

Swash joined the BBC One soap in October 2003.

The spokesman confirmed reports that the cast and crew of the programme had been sent a letter explaining that Swash would be off work for a time.

But he added that sending out a letter to colleagues was a routine procedure if a cast-member fell ill.

Swash attended the Inside Soap Awards in central London last Monday.

EastEnders beat arch rival Coronation Street to win Best Soap at the awards - for the ninth year running.

The show picked up a total of seven prizes at the ceremony.