EastEnders star Jamie Foreman has revealed he nearly died after suffering "massive" heart attack several years ago - just like his character Derek Branning
The actor played Max Branning's dodgy brother Derek in the BBC soap for two years from 2011 until 2012 when he was killed off on Christmas Day.
Derek collapsed and died in the middle of Albert Square after having a fatal heart attack.
Foreman, 61, has now revealed he almost suffered the same fate as his character as he also nearly lost his life to a heart attack.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, he explained: "I had a massive heart attack a couple of years back and nearly pegged it. ‘That put everything in perspective.
"All the years and energy I’d spent stressing about work and now I think, ‘I’ve been there, done that.’ I don’t regret anything.
"I’ve had a fantastic life and I’m really happy with just the simple things now."
Derek was the eldest child of EastEnders legend Jim Branning, and brother to Max, Jack, Carol , Suzy and April.
His first appearance came in 1996 when he was played by late actor Terence Beesley, but was replaced by Foreman when the character was reintroduced in 2011.
During his time on the soak, Derek caused chaos on the square - famously having a sordid affair with Kat Slater.
He also blackmailed his own family in a plot involving Max and Tanya before his shock death on Christmas Day 2012.
