Fans of the BBC One soap watched as the pub landlord vanished at sea in December 2022.
Mick had been trying to rescue his love Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) from the ocean after pregnant Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), who had just married Mick, drove them into the water.
Under Linda’s instruction, Mick saved Janine and their unborn child first, before going back for his longtime sweetheart.
Although he was unaware Linda had already safely made it to shore.
As Mick’s body was never recovered, viewers have hoped that the character could possibly return to Walford one day.
This would follow in the footsteps of Neighbours legend Harold Bishop (Ian Smith), who famously vanished at sea in 1991 only to return to the Aussie soap five years later.
In fact, Harold is still a firm mainstay on Ramsay Street, with 88-year-old actor Ian still playing the role.
With that in mind, could a similar set of circumstances play out for Mick?
As he addressed the possibility of a return to the soap, Danny admitted fans keep asking him when he’s set to return to EastEnders.
Unfortunately, the star had some bad news regarding Mick’s fate.
Speaking to Heatworld, Danny said: “He’s dead”.
The actor added: “Look, I take it as a compliment that people want me to go back. Who knows?
“ If there’s no closure there, then maybe I would come back for a dream sequence. I don’t think Mick could just rock up covered in seaweed!
“I think if they did it right, with the 40th anniversary coming up, if they came up with an idea of maybe Linda drunk or hallucinating, then I would come back and do some scenes with her.
“You know, because I do miss Kellie and I think maybe that would stop people asking me when I’m f**king going back!”
So, there you have it, Danny believes his lovable character is definitely dead.
That being said, fans will likely still hope for a return – after all, if there’s no body, there’s every chance of a comeback – just ask Kathy Beale and Cindy Beale.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm or stream first on BBC iPlayer.
