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Ex-EastEnders star Katie Jarvis has spoken out on The Victoria Derbyshire Show, after it was revealed she now works as a security guard at a B&M Bargain store in Romford, Essex.
The actress, who played Hayley Slater in the BBC One soap, confessed she appeared on the daytime TV show to hit back at "job shamers", who have been trolling her since the news broke.
Speaking about her latest job, Katie said, "All actors go through it over the years, I've had so many jobs in between and not just being a security guard.
"One of my sisters she calls me a dabbler because I seem to do a bit of everything and I like to be busy and I like to learn new things, it doesn't matter what it is."
CHECK OUT: EastEnders spoilers: Mel Owen and Sharon Mitchell's showdown
Eastenders spoilers: Mel and Sharon's showdown
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The week begins with Sharon arriving back in Walford after her visit in Portugal. When Louise reveals she's moving abroad with Keanu, Sharon pretends to be surprised.
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Later while alone, Keanu begs Sharon to help stop Louise from moving to Portugal but Mel isn't far away and warns him to play along. Mel continues to interfere with the Mitchell family and invites Ruby Allen over to the E20 and makes her a shocking offer – first refusal to buy the club.
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Ruby doubts that Sharon will sell the club but Mel is quick to reassure her that she definitely will. Mel then makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes as she threatens Sharon to do as she says.
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While all this drama is going on Lisa Fowler begins to grow annoyed when Mel keeps interfering with Louise's future. After Mel and Ruby discuss the sale of the club, Ruby pays Sharon a visit and it quickly becomes clear that they're on different pages; it's not long before they begin to exchange harsh words.
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Sharon opens up to Ben Mitchell and admits that Mel is the real reason she's selling E20 but she's stunned when he shares a shocking secret that changes everything.
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Lisa tries to encourage Mel to grief properly for Hunter Owen by visiting a counsellor. However, shortly after their conversation it dawns on Lisa that Mel has no intention on getting help.
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Following Ben's revelation, Sharon goes head to head with Mel in an ultimate showdown. It then becomes clear to Mel that her plan is unravelling and she tries to gain back control.
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Keanu continues to grow frustrated with Mel's involvement and opens up to Lisa. When Louise has a false alarm with the baby it becomes clear to Lisa just how overbearing Mel has become.
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Ben Mitchell accidentally lets slip to Karen Taylor that Louise and Keanu are moving to Portugal and she's left devastated.
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Meanwhile on the Square, Mariam Ahmed confronts Adam Bateman about his relationship with Habiba and it results in an emotional heart to heart.Mariam opens up to her granddaughter and confesses that she blames herself for Adam's latest actions which leaves Habiba furious.
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When Mariam tells Honey Michell that she knows about Adam's affair, Honey denies it and accuses Mariam of trying to ruin her relationship. She's then left stunned at Mariam's reaction.
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On the day of The Vic's Halloween party everyone is having the time of their life all dressed up and celebrating. Honey finally puts her foot down and tells Adam that he will attend the party.
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When they get to the pub, Adam apologies for being absent and suggest they all go on a family holiday, leaving Honey thrilled.
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When Habiba arrives at The Vic, Honey seeks relationship advice from Mick Carter. After noticing how upset she is, the landlord hatches a plan to cheer her up.
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At the Halloween party in The Vic, Chantelle Atkins encourages Whitney to speak to Leo. As sparks fly between the pair they end up sharing a passionate kiss.
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Ben Mitchell is shocked when the Panesar brothers arrive in Walford and he's quick to confront them. He's then left embarrassed when Kheerat reveals they're not on the Square to see him.
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Elsewhere Jags recognises a familiar face in Walford… At the end of the week Kheerat and Ash have a showdown as their family history comes to light.
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Ian Beale confronts Iqra Ahmed and Keegan when he discovers they've been using his kitchen for their own private business.
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Dotty Cotton recently returned to Walford and it soon becomes clear that she's up to her old tricks when she tries to sabotage Keegan's business.
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After the incident with Dotty, Ian tries to encourage Keegan to give up and quit his business. Tiffany Butcher is annoyed when she overhears Jack Branning planning to put her and Keegan off their engagement.
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Tiffany is further infuriated when she finds out what Dotty has been up to and wastes no time in confronting her. When Ian discovers that Keegan has not closed his business, he decides to take matters into his own hands.
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Bobby Beale is annoyed when his dad doesn't listen to him. It then becomes clear to the teenager that Ian's only concern at the moment is to become Walford's new Councillor.
"The people I work with there are amazing, they get up every single day, they work hard for their money and it doesn't matter what job you're doing.
"I don't feel like anyone should be made to feel like how I felt when I woke up [when the story broke.]
"I think as long as you're working that's all that matters."
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She went on to say how her job is vital for the store, adding she provide comfort and protection for the customers visiting the shop.
Katie said, "A lot goes into being a security guard, they put themselves at risk. I took that job on and joined my sister because she's a security guard there."
READ MORE soap news
Dean Gaffney ‘AXED’ from EastEnders following 'bad decisions' in his personal life
Katie, mum to Lillie Mae, ten, and Alfie, eight, joined the soap in 2018 and was immediately at the centre of a huge storyline, after her character fell pregnant with Alfie Moon's baby.
It later transpired that the pair had had an affair while they were both in Spain, and when Hayley rocked up to the Square, the pair attempted to keep it a secret.
However, in true soap style, the news was blurted out on 2018's Christmas Day episode, with the drama STILL unravelling in February, until Katie disappeared from our screens, without explanation.
A source told The Daily Star the reason behind Katie's mystery exit, saying, "A lot of people have been wondering where Hayley is after she left so suddenly but the mystery has been solved, she’s in Romford working at B&M
"There was so much speculation about her departure, but there was no reason to keep the character in Albert Square once the storyline ended and Alfie had gone."