I'm gay, says EastEnders star

New EastEnders heart-throb Jake Maskall is gay, he revealed today.

His character Danny Moon has established himself as a ladies' man since arriving in Albert Square and is currently bedding Sam Mitchell, played by Kim Medcalf.

But in real life Maskall, 29, has a long-term boyfriend.

"I'm gay and I've been with my boyfriend for 12 years," he told Now magazine.

"It's not a secret. But my relationship's part of my private life and I hope everyone respects my privacy."

Maskall said he is happy to film sex scenes and strip off on screen.

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

Joel Beckett, who plays his brother Jake, is far more popular with female viewers, according to Maskall.

"Joel gets more letters than me. He's the thinking woman's crumpet and the housewives' favourite. We don't fight over the attention - Joel's welcome to it," he said.

Beckett, who found fame in The Office, told how he has been bombarded with fan mail from love-struck female viewers.

He said: "I don't mind being the housewives' choice one bit. If they're anything like those Desperate Housewives, then bring it on!"