Danny Dyer has had his finger in many pies throughout his acting career. He made the move from no-nonsense hard man to a more family-friendly role when he became the latest in a long line of iconic landlords of The Queen Vic, joining EastEnders as Mick Carter in 2013.
After cementing himself as one of the most recognisable faces in entertainment during his decade-long stint on the BBC soap, the 47-year-old transformed himself again, winning over a brand-new audience as the swoon worthy Freddie Jones in last year’s TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bonkbuster Rivals.
Now, he’s starring as Jack in Marching Powder, his fifth collaboration with director Nick Love, as well as embracing one of his best roles yet— grandad. He talks to Closer about his love of 28-year-old daughter Dani’s children and fiancé, Jarrod Bowen.
Are we right in thinking you’re loving being a grandad?
I've got three grandchildren, and we’ve got twins! We call them The Terribles. They're nearly two, and they're so beautiful and I love them so much. They're obsessed with my dog's arse for some reason. One will distract the dog while the other one tries to stick a little toy plane up right in there. It's incredible for me to watch because I'm like, ‘Why the arse of all things?’ But no, they are a gift. And I'm so lucky to have them. I had a kid at 18, so you get into your late 40s, and you become a grandfather. I might even make it to great-grandfather!
And you get on well with Jarrod?
I think I'm in love with him. He plays for West Ham and he's unbelievable, this guy. He comes in my house, I take his shoes off for him and I give him the remote control, and I say, ‘Mate, this is your house now.’ He's an incredible person. I can't wait to give Dani away, but I still think that he's marrying the wrong Danny Dyer. Honestly, I feel sorry for my other daughter, who's nearly 18, because she could never bring home a man to match what Jarrod’s done for me. She could bring home a heart surgeon or somebody who cures cancer and I’ll go, ‘Well, really? Jarrod's got the winning goal in a European final.’ I couldn't have written a better script. He's just such a beautiful man.
Would you ever return to the Queen Vic?
I'll be honest, I would have gone back if they'd asked me [for the 40th anniversary] but they didn't. I think they've got the hump with me. I watched the live episode, and I could see their arses flapping with the fear. I love that show so much, but I think when you end up with Janine, you've got to get out because you know she's going to murder you eventually.
You’ve caused quite the controversy with your new film – especially after hoovering up white powder from the red carpet at the premiere…
I feel like cinema's become quite elite, but Nick Love and I are trying to make a film about working class people doing working class things, which means there's a bit of swearing in it. It’s a love story about a man trying to save his marriage. It tackles some quite dark stuff, addiction, masculinity. I'm really proud of it.
And your son, Arty, stars alongside you?
Nick said to me, ‘Can you find a 10-year-old kid that's going to be allowed to swear?’ And they couldn't find anybody, so they asked me if Arty was up for it. I gave him this little chunk of dialogue, and at the end of it, he swore. He learned it within three minutes, and he rushed it, because he couldn't wait to get to the swear. I don't think I could have done it with someone else's child.
We all fell in love with you in Rivals and now you’re up for a BAFTA for the role
I've been accepted by the elite; it’s a revelation to me. Everyone loved a bit of Freddie [Jones]. It's worked out for me, everyone thinks I'm a really good actor all of a sudden. I've been around for 30 odd years, I feel like I've done some good work over the years.
Of course, but Freddie has become a proper heartthrob…
Freddie's a kind man and all of a sudden, kindness in a man became sexy and I don't think we've had that for a long time. I can say that because I've got daughters, and I know some of the twats they've brought home. They always want the boy that's unattainable and naughty. The character of Rupert is like the sexiest man in the world, but all of a sudden, the women seem to be down for Freddie, who's a bit cute and shy, and sees women for who they are. I've got a nutty moustache and a bad wig; it's a strong look. I just think it's a brilliant show. I'm so proud to be part of it, honestly.