Shane Richie slams Nick Knowles’ music career calling him ‘a chippie who sings’ in a furious rant
The EastEnders actor didn't mince his words when it came to giving his take on the DIY SOS star's music. Shane, 53, insisted the telly favourite's attempts were a 'hobby'
SHANE Richie has launched a seething attack on fellow telly favourite Nick Knowles' music career, blasting him as nothing more than "a chippie who sings."
The former EastEnders actor seemed to take huge offence at the DIY SOS presenter's recent foray into the sector after The Sun exclusively confirmed the release of his first album.
Dad-of-three Nick has been secretly recording his debut album after being approached by Universal Music earlier this year.
In an exclusive interview, Nick revealed: “Music’s always been a major part of my life since I was 14 and picked up a guitar."
Yet scornful country singer Shane, 53, has poured cold water on Nick's creative project, branding it a mere "hobby" while insisting he "does this for an f***ing living."
He raged in a chat with : "When I wasn’t working on EastEnders, I’d go and play with my band. I’d play festivals. I’d get changed in car parks.
"Two years ago, I was funding this album myself. I met with all sorts of labels, and they said: “You like country, why don’t you do Johnny Cash?” and I said: ‘Why don’t you f*** off?”"
In a major swipe at housewives' favourite Nick, he added: "I don’t know Nick very well, but he’s a chippie who sings. I do this to make a living.
"When I wasn’t on EastEnders and there wasn’t much in the way of work, I’d put in a three-week tour and we’d go and play for cash.
"It’s horrible being tied in with Nick Knowles and Jason Manford. I’d like to be judged on the tracks."
Meanwhile Nick - who has been spotted lapping up the single life outside of the recording studio - was bursting with pride about his debut album.
The release - which will be released in time for Christmas - will be filled with covers of his favourite tunes.
He told The Sun: “The songs that you find on the album are songs that I’ve been playing for ten, 15, 20 years.
“It’s influenced by guitar players like Bob Dylan, Cat Stevens, people like that. And then in the modern day similar guitar players like Ed Sheeran and Newton Faulkner."
He added: “I think it really stands its ground as an album and there are some really beautiful songs. I’m not trying to be Justin Bieber.
“But by the same token, there aren’t very many singers in Britain that sing with a deep voice. I think there’s a market for that.
“Probably the only artist that’s got a deep voice that’s appeared is George Ezra in the last few years.”
most read in TV & SHOWBIZ
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.