A LEGENDARY British actor has signed up to appear in EastEnders for a high profile guest role.
The BBC soap has just celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dramatic live episode and a full year of comebacks of stars from its history.
Keith Allen has signed up to appear in a special episode of EastEnders[/caption]
The dad of popstar Lily Allen will play a part in Phil Mitchell’s mental health storyline[/caption]
Phil Mitchell has been struggling with his mental health and tried to take his own life last month[/caption]
But now The Sun can exclusively reveal that Trainspotting actor Keith Allen is joining the soap.
The father of popstar Lily Allen and Game of Thrones star Alfie Allen will play a mysterious new character called Gaz in a special episode surrounding Phil Mitchell and his mental health battle.
A source said: “Keith Allen is a massive signing for EastEnders.
“He’s known to millions and it’s hard to believe he’s not been in the show before – he’s perfect for it.
“He’s going to appear for a short stint in a hard-hitting storyline. It’s a huge coup for the show.”
EastEnders has worked closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.
Keith has revealed he is overjoyed at finally landing a role on the soap.
He said: “I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1…Could it get better than that?
“Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line.
“I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.”
EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil’s mental health.
EastEnders’ 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford’s past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
“As Phil struggles to begin treatment, we explore how his relationship with fellow patient Gaz, helps Phil to take the first step in his road to recovery.
“Keith and Steve’s performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
