Danny Dyer set to ‘reprise iconic role’ one year after leaving BBC EastEnders

Danny Dyer is reportedly ‘reprising an iconic role’ in an upcoming production one year after his sensational exit from BBC EastEnders.

The soap star, who played the legendary character Mick Carter from 2013 until Christmas last year, is now best known for being the landlord of the Queen Vic. But he’s now apparently set for an on-screen return in an equally well-known role.

Filming is reportedly earmarked for just after Christmas on The Football Factory 2 where Danny will ‘reprise his role as Tommy Johnson’. “It’s full steam ahead for Football Factory 2 and filming is due to start in January,” an insider explained.

“The hope is they can turn it around quickly enough so it comes out in 2024 – in time for the 20th anniversary,” they told The Sun. “It’s a real passion project for Danny who can’t wait to get his teeth back into the role.” The flick, in which Danny plays a member of the Chelsea Firm, is based on the novel by John King and is a “passion project” for Danny.

The news comes after Danny’s hopes of forging a big presenting career suffered a set-back after his new show reportedly fails to land second series. The hardman hosted Cheat alongside Ted Lasso actress Ellie Taylor in what was seen as a crucial gig for the former EastEnders actor after he quit the soap last Christmas. But it has apparently been axed months after it started as Netflix ditch it with viewing figures not what they’d hoped.

Cheat was a new quiz show that rewards both brains and blaggers and it aired back in March. Contestants attempt to win £50,000 by cheating their way through, doing whatever it takes as they tried to avoid getting caught out by rival players.
A TV insider told The Sun there’s bad news for the star. “Danny was great as host, as was Ellie, but Netflix thought one series was just about right. It didn’t pick up a big following and will hardly go down in game show folklore. He enjoyed making the series, especially banking the pay cheque.” The Mirror approached Netflix for confirmation.

It’s blow to the telly star, who was excited about the new project back in February. At the time, Danny said: “This is a great new series and there’s no quiz show better suited for me; expect enormous wins, loads of slippery people cheating and banter with the one and only, Ellie Taylor.” His co-star said: “I’m so excited to join Cheat and the Netflix family.

“Cheat has all the elements I want in a quiz show; great questions, unashamed cheating and Danny Dyer calling me ‘Treacle’ at least once per episode. I can’t wait to get started!” Netflix UK announced the news on Twitter, calling Cheat a show “where contestants can literally cheat their way to a fortune”.