Ben Hardy: Hollywood's not too much of a leap from EastEnders

(Image credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Ben Hardy has revealed he has already settled into Hollywood, because it’s not much different from Albert Square.

The former EastEnders actor, who bowed out of his soap role as Peter Beale in February, is upping sticks to shoot the new film, X-Men: Apocalypse, in April.

Ben Hardy as Peter Beale (BBC/Kieron McCarron)

He told The Sun: “LA is big, although Hollywood’s not as glamorous as I thought. It’s kind of grungy. It’s not too much of a leap from EastEnders in that sense.”

Ben has landed an undisclosed 'key' role in the third X-Men movie in the current trilogy. He will join James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult in Bryan Singer’s film.

X-Men stars James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender

James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender (Jon Furniss/Invision)

He said of his bid for the role: “It was a long old process. It was tough going, so when I got the part, it was a huge relief.”

X-Men: Apocalypse is scheduled for release in 2016.