Richie spilled the beans during his appearance on “The One Show” tonight. The conversation naturally turned to “EastEnders'” triumphant win as Best Soap at the British Soap Awards last month. The cast was presented with their prestigious accolade by none other than British acting titan David Jason. And it seems that encounter planted a very specific seed in Richie’s mind.
“Well, we got presented the award by David Jason and now this is between us,” Richie joked conspiratorially with fellow guest, Marvel star Jeremy Renner, and hosts Alex Jones and Angelica Bell. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he dropped the bombshell: “David Jason, big famous actor, say nothing. I’m trying to get him into ‘EastEnders.'”
He even playfully told the camera, “Turn over, watch something else. You don’t want to see this,” before reiterating, “I’m trying to get him into it.” When Angelica Bell pressed him on whether he had actually spoken to Jason about the potential cameo, Richie responded with a knowing grin, “I don’t know yet. I might take him out for a beer.”
This tantalizing tease has sent shockwaves through the “EastEnders” fanbase. The idea of the beloved “Only Fools and Horses” star, famous for his iconic roles as Del Boy Trotter and Detective Jack Frost, stepping foot in Walford is almost too exciting to comprehend. While it’s currently a dream for Richie, his determination suggests that this isn’t just an idle fantasy; he truly seems committed to making a direct appeal to Jason. Imagine the possibilities! What kind of character could David Jason play in Albert Square? A long-lost relative? A new villain? Or perhaps a charming rogue who could even give Alfie Moon a run for his money? The mind boggles with the potential storylines!
Aside from this monumental recruitment effort, Richie also shared the ongoing buzz within the “EastEnders” cast following their big win. He confessed that some stars celebrated a little too hard, proving that even soap legends enjoy a good party.
“It’s great. It’s an ensemble piece as you know. We’ve got 500 people working on the show. It’s not just the actors, there’s the crew, production, makeup, wardrobe, everyone. So, it’s a big celebration to get that accolade and be told that we’re the best,” Richie explained, highlighting the collective effort behind the show’s success. He added with a chuckle, “The day after is great because we all get to work and there’s a few hangovers.”
This news comes at an exciting time for “EastEnders,” fresh off their Soap Award triumph, which cemented their status as a powerhouse in British television. The cast and crew are clearly feeling the glow of their hard work being recognized, and Richie’s ambition to bring in a talent like David Jason only adds to the show’s momentum.
So, while we might have to wait and see if Shane Richie’s “take him out for a beer” strategy pays off, the mere possibility of David Jason joining the “EastEnders” cast is enough to send ripples of excitement through the soap world. Could this be the biggest guest star Walford has ever seen? Stay tuned, because if Shane Richie has his way, the Queen Vic might soon be pouring pints for one of Britain’s most legendary actors! What kind of role would you love to see David Jason play in “EastEnders”?