EastEnders guest star Keith Allen has revealed that Danny Dyer previously asked him to appear in the show – as a well-known character.
In today’s episode of the BBC soap, viewers will be introduced to Keith’s character Gaz, a patient in the mental health facility where Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is receiving care.
The instalment is set across four weeks, and documents Phil’s journey from the moment he starts his treatment, as he faces inner trauma and attempts to understand what may have contributed to his depression and symptoms of psychosis.
This comes following the shock realisation that he had discharged himself from the hospital, and fans will see the events that led to his decision.
Phil is initially reluctant to open up in therapy and group activities, but he soon befriends Gaz, with the pair bonding over their shared life experience.
Discussing his role, Keith said: ‘I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1…Could it get better than that?
‘Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.’
During an episode of The One Show last night, Keith discussed his new part with hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo.The presenting duo asked him what tempted him to take on the role, to which he joked: ’20 grand.’
As everyone burst into laughter, he added: ‘I’m joking, that is obviously not true!’
‘It was on my bucket list anyway. I have been asked to be in EastEnders years ago.
‘I think they wanted me to play Danny Dyer’s dad and I was constantly getting calls from Danny: “Keith please, please come, please, please come and be my dad.”
‘But I didn’t because I couldn’t commit to a contract’ he explained.
As the EastEnders audience know, the role of Buster Briggs eventually went to another actor – Karl Howman.He appeared in Albert Square between 2014 and 2016.
‘When this came up it was a bucket list thing. To do one episode is just perfect, and you can say that you have been in EastEnders’ Keith continued.
‘The caveat to that is, the actual enormity in terms of importance of this episode.
‘It’s an honour to be honest, to be asked to be involved with it, and I think it’s an incredible subject matter to be touched upon.’
Upon his casting, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil’s mental health.
‘As Phil struggles to begin treatment, we explore how his relationship with fellow patient Gaz, helps Phil to take the first step in his road to recovery.‘Keith and Steve’s performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity.’
