EX-EASTENDERS star Leslie Grantham has had a lucky escape after a fire in a Swansea apartment.

The 62-year-old actor, known for his role as Dirty Den in the TV soap, escaped from the burning building yesterday before the arrival of firefighters in the real-life drama.

Mid West and Wales Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Gary Williams said: "It could have been quite a nasty incident."

The actor is in Swansea starring in stage-show Write Me A Murder.

It is believed he had been staying at the flat of Grand Theatre manager Gary Iles when the blaze broke out at around 12.30pm yesterday.

Three fire crews raced to the scene in East Burrows Road, to find thick black smoke billowing out of the ground floor flat.

Leslie Grantham fire pictures

Leslie Grantham fire video

The soap star was treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation and an minor cut to his hand.

Firefighters entered the apartment in Cork House using breathing apparatus and doused the flames before using a ventilation fan.

"There was one person trapped inside," said station officer Mr Williams. "The gentleman managed to escape and was standing outside when we arrived.

"I can confirm that this gentleman was Mr Grantham.

"I would like to compliment him on his actions, in which he went around the other flats telling people about the fire."

Mr Grantham was too shaken up to speak about the incident, but was said to be safe and well.

Firefighters were continuing their investigation into the cause of the blaze, but it is thought the incident may have been caused by an electrical fault on a washing machine.

A Grand Theatre spokeswoman said performances of Write Me A Murder were going ahead as scheduled.