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UNRIVALLED SUCCESS
How Danny Dyer’s decision to ditch EastEnders put his career back on track and now Hollywood is calling again
The Rivals star is back in the movie business and couldn't be happier
DANNY Dyer might have shocked EastEnders fans when he quit playing miserable landlord Mick Carter, but this is the best decision he's ever made.
The actor has now risen from the Albert Square ashes and gone back to what he does best - being a movie star.
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Before life as a pub landlord in dreary Walford, Danny was well known for his hard-hitting films like Football Factory and The Business.
In fact, Danny enjoyed a very successful career as a film star, appearing alongside great British actors like Ray Winstone and John Simm.
However, despite stating he wouldn't do EastEnders until he was "fat, bald and fifty", he headed to serve pints behind the bar at Ye Ole Queen Vic.
Despite spending seven years in the comfortable role, the actor made the huge decision to quit the soap in 2022 - and as the old saying goes, "fortune favours the bold".
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This in hand turned out to be the best decision Mr Dyer could have made, as he's back in the movie business.
Hollywood had almost forgotten the shining star he once was, as he swapped Tinsel Town for Albert Square.
But well done to Danny for being brave and not becoming a soap star that just sticks around for the pay cheque (I could name a few).
His bold step has certainly paid off and he is now one of the most sought after British actors and the jobs are pouring in.
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Fans could not get enough of him as Freddie Jones in the Disney+ smash hit series, Rivals.
Who would've though the former film hardman turned Queen Vic landlord would be the breakout star of a Jilly Cooper romper - but he was.
Danny Dyer 'rapped over the knuckles' on first day at surprising new job
With his fake moustache and wig, Danny charmed the pants off us all as the reluctant hero of the bonkbuster.
The role showed a more softer, gentle Danny and in turn proved he shouldn't always be typecast as the gruff hardman.
The actor has even admitted he loved playing "gentle soul" Freddie, and enjoyed being "more versatile" with his acting.
Reflecting on the role, Danny told Rivals The Official Podcast: "For me, I was certainly looking to do something different... Fred, is such a lovely, gentle soul, really."
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Fans were impressed with the outcome, and I certainly have to agree with one viewer who said: "Danny Dyer is a way better actor than people give him credit for - the warmth and nuance he gives to his character in Rivals is gorgeous."
This role was enough to get Hollywood on the phone and Tinsel Town quite literally called.
Leaving his soap star life well and truly in the past, Dan the man is now rubbing his shoulders with the A-list, hoping he can soon be on it.
This week I loved seeing Danny back in the movie business and shooting a film with none other than Rebel Wilson.
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He was spotted filming the upcoming festive flick, quite aptly called Tinsel Town.
The boy's done good, as he is joined in the cast by Hollywood heavyweight Kiefer Sutherland.
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This new movie gig only proves my point further, quitting EastEnders was the best thing the actor could've done, and he never needs to look back.
It's great to see Danny back on top form and making movies, just as he should be - and NOT serving gin and tonics in the Vic.
Danny Dyer's career so far
Danny Dyer has played several film and TV roles across a three-decade acting career.
Here's a look back at some of his most memorable performances.
- Prime Suspect (1993): Danny made his screen debut in an episode of the long-running ITV police procedural. He appeared as a character named "Martin Fletcher".
- Human Traffic (1999): Danny's debut film saw him portray "Moff", a dealer. Directed by Justin Kerrigan, the coming-of-age comedy drama also featured John Simm, Andrew Lincoln and Richard Coyle.
- Mean Machine (2001): An adaptation of The Longest Yard, this sports comedy also featured Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham. Danny played "Billy the Limpet".
- The Football Factory (2004): Loosely based on the novel of the same name by John King. Danny led the cast of this sports drama, directed by Nick Love. He portrayed "Tommy Johnson".
- EastEnders (2013-2022): Danny appeared in the London-set BBC soap opera for almost a decade. He played Queen Vic landlord "Mick Carter", opposite Kellie Bright as his on-screen wife Linda.
- Rivals (2024): The actor was among an all-star ensemble cast in this Disney+ series based on Jilly Cooper's novel. Danny played the role of "Freddie Jones".
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