EastEnders' Joe Swash and Aaron Sidwell in bitter Twitter spat over Stacey Solomon

Eek, handbags at dawn – there is unrest among the EastEnders family after a bitter Twitter spat between Joe Swash and Aaron Sidwell erupted last night.

In case you don’t know, Aaron is currently playing the role of Steven Beale in the hit BBC soap, and Joe used to play cheeky chappie Mickey Miller.

However, the two men aren’t letting their common ground settle their differences, instead, the pair became embroiled in a very public fight after Aaron dared to criticise Joe’s girlfriend, Stacey Solomon.

It all started when the actor shared a link to a news article about Stacey reading from her script as she performed in panto, with the star being photographed holding her lines throughout the Dick Whittington performance, where she plays Fairy Bowbells.

A rep for the star confirmed that Stacey had not had any time to rehearse the show due to her hectic schedule with I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’s sister show, Extra Camp.

Commenting on the story, Aaron wrote: “This is shameful. Shouldn’t cash her pay check! [sic]” and Joe was not a happy bunny.

The husky-voiced actor tweeted back: “Why don’t you PIPE DOWN mate and do your own thing BADLY! What a little hater YOU you should be ashamed and I will tell you when I see u next. [sic]”

Aaron replied: “Twitter is for sharing your opinion. You have yours, I have mine. I’m not hating. [sic]”

But Joe was having none of it and angrily fired back: “Yer and yours is SH*T! And now I’m hating on you!! Worry about yourself! I don’t think this acting is your game!! That’s my opinion!NightXXX

“Night sweet cheek! Ooh stop DM me saying sorry it’s @StaceySolomon you [should] say sorry 2?? [sic]”

It didn’t end there though, and Aaron tweeted back: “Didn’t tag either of you sonny intent was not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Merely expressing my opinion as is my right as a British Citizen.

“But enough now. I wish you both successful runs in panto. #Namaste”.

And Joe, determined to have the final word, retorted: “If you want any tickets let me know! THEN maybe you can voice an educated opinion xx”.

Stacey was obviously in awe of her boyfriend, retweeting his initial message to Aaron and adding: “When you have the most supportive and loving partner and you realise how lucky you are … @realjoeswash” before retweeting a series of messages from her supporters.

Aaron is yet to comment further, but having worked in live theatre for eight years he previously defended his right to have an opinion on the matter.