Parker joined EastEnders in 2002

The BBC announced in November 2004 an agreement had been reached with Parker over his departure from the show.

He is now taking legal action over a false suggestion he was sacked for refusing to see a psychologist.

Since Parker, 21, left he has talked openly about a suicide attempt made shortly before he left the soap.

He attempted to slash his wrists and took an overdose of paracetamol after booking into a London hotel.

But worried friends found him and took him to hospital where he made a full recovery.

Papers lodged

He said he hit rock bottom after false rumours about his sexuality were published.

Parker's solicitor, Jonathan Coad of Simpkins legal firm, said the legal papers had been lodged at the High Court in London.

He said the newspaper had rejected an earlier offer to apologise for the article.

Parker landed his role as Spencer Moon in EastEnders in 2002, playing the brother of Shane Ritchie's character, Alfie.

His last on-screen appearance in the soap was in January.

He took part in the first series of the BBC's ballroom dancing show Strictly Come Dancing.