Nitin Ganatra is "pretending" it is his birthday - after he was inundated with social media messages congratulating him.

Nitin Ganatra

Nitin Ganatra

The former 'EastEnders' star has been busy replying to numerous messages this morning wishing him many happy returns - but he has had to point out he isn't actually celebrating his big day today (01.07.19).

In response to a tweet from a celebrity birthday Twitter account wishing him a "happy birthday", he replied: "Thank you!!! It's not my birthday but happy to pretend and receive many many good wishes and positive energy! (sic)"

The 52-year-old star - who played Masood Ahmed on the BBC One soap - joked he is "aiming" to be like the queen and have two birthdays, and admitted he enjoys being wished a happy birthday even though his big day isn't actually today.

Following an apology from the celeb birthday Twitter user, he wrote: "It's ok. Happens every year... twice. I enjoy it. (sic)"

Nitin's former 'EastEnders' co-star Tamzin Outhwaite was one of the Twittersphere who wished him many happy returns.

She wrote: "Happy birthday. I miss you and your mangos . Yoga soon? (sic)"

And while he sent a similar message back, he looks set to meet the Mel Owen actress for a yoga session soon.

He wrote: "Ahhhh thanks beautiful. But it's not my birthday! Mango season is over... miss it this year. Got to get to this yoga party started! Xxx (sic)"

While Nitin is enjoying celebrating his non-birthday today, last week he was less than impressed when strangers burst into a hotel room he was staying at.

The confusion led to him wondering whether he had accidentally booked into a swingers hotel.

He wrote on Twitter: "In a hotel in Knutsford for work. 12.45 in the nite, fast asleep. Door bursts open. Half asleep I yelled "what you doin!? Why I choose a deep voice and jordie accent I dunno!The guy ran off terrified. This is why you NEVER sleep naked! And ALWAYS keep your boots on! (sic)"

And when it happened again, he tweeted: "Ok. Just had a shower. And it happened again!! Wtf is going on??? Am I in some swingers joint by accident?? (sic)"

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