Former EastEnders star Matt Lapinskas has slammed trolls for mocking his new job as a builder.
The 32-year-old actor, who has swapped Albert Square for a construction site, played the character Anthony Moon in the hit BBC soap.
But the former Dancing On Ice runner-up has fallen on hard times because of the coronavirus pandemic and been forced into a career change.
That has led to trolls branding him a “failed actor” and ridiculing him on social media.
“You’ve got to put food on the table and I’ve got a mortgage to pay,” revealed Matt.
“Calling me a failed actor, that’s wrong, that’s rude,” blasted Matt, speaking on the Soap From The Box podcast.
“It’s just rude, especially seeing as we’re going through a pandemic.
“There’s nothing wrong with the job. I work with some great builders who do amazing work.”
Matt got his big break with EastEnders in 2011, but he was disappointed to leave Walford a year later with his character phased out.
During his time on the soap, Matt famously dated his co-star Shona McGarty – who plays Whitney Dean in the popular soap – but split while he participated in 2013’s Dancing On Ice.
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Reflecting on his celeb break-up, Matt stressed: “I would have still done the show even though it’s cost me my relationship. It’s the show I wanted to do.
“People break up every day and it’s one of those things that came to an end. Me and Shona know the ins and outs of our relationship and that’s the way it’s going to stay.
“That’s life. We are in the media limelight and it is publicised. I think my relationship is quite private, stuff has happened and it’s one of those things.”
Matt has since gone on to play Prince Charming in pantomime and toured the country with Bill Kenwright’s stage show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
And he’s featured in films Dead Ringer and The Seven, but with cash needed to support himself he decided to branch out into building.
Matt started his own company Brightside Builders and has launched his own Instagram page for the company to recruit work.
Speaking on his firm’s Instagram story, Matt was actively looking for business.
“So guys if you’re looking for any work being done at your property then don’t hesitate to give us a message and enquire,” he said.
“Happy to come around and give you a free quote.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
