Bad news for the ladies

Sexy EastEnders actor Jake Maskall has disappointed female fans by revealing that he is gay.

11:59 16 February 2005

Sexy EastEnders actor Jake Maskall has disappointed female fans by revealing that he is gay - and very much in love.

The 29-year-old hunk, who plays gangster Danny Moon, is currently embroiled in a steamy romance with Sam Hunter, played by Kim Medcalf.

He came to blows with her estranged husband Andy over the relationship and will soon be filming sexy romps with actress Jemma Walker, who plays prostitute Sasha Perkins.

But Jake said he is much more restrained in real life and has been with his boyfriend for more than a decade.

"I am gay - I've been with my boyfriend for 12 years now. It's not a secret," he told Now magazine.

"But my relationship is part of my private life and I hope everyone respects my privacy."

Danny, who arrived in Albert Square with his brother Jake in December, said he had no problem stripping off for the show.

And he issued a word of warning for Walford's number one heartthrob, Dennis Rickman, played by Nigel Harman.

"I love bedroom scenes, and I'll happily give Nigel Harman a run for his money," he said.