Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kara Tointon has admitted that after she was written out of Eastenders, she got so depressed that she contemplated committing suicide.

The 27 year old actress became famous as Dawn Swann on the BBC soap, but was laid off last year along with Ricky Groves, who played Garry Hobs.

Kara told The News Of The World that she expected to be inundated with work when she left the show, but admitted that she hasn’t been offered any acting jobs in a whole year.

She said:

“I’ll be honest, I’ve felt suicidal. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s really tough out there. You’re used to being busy and then, all of a sudden, you’re not. It’s the worst thing ever.

“Acting-wise it’s been on its knees. It’s a disaster out there. It’s been so, so difficult.

“I’ve thought about giving up acting for good. Many times. When you’re working, it feels worth all the hanging around. But during the down times, you’re just waiting for the phone to ring – it’s awful. I find myself staring at the phone, thinking: ‘Won’t you just ring?!’ And it doesn’t.”

Kara made her Strictly debut on tonight’s show and her cha cha cha with Artem Chigvintsev, inspired Alesha Dixon to brand it ‘the best dance of the night!’ On who her major competition will be on the series, Tointon added:

“Obviously I know Scott Maslen from EastEnders really well and he’s a good mover. Jimi Mistry and Goldie are fantastic as well. And I love Ann Widdecombe – she just cracks me up!”