FIRST LOOK: Harry Redknapp swaps the football pitch for Albert Square ahead of EastEnders cameo during European Championships
The first pictures of Harry Redknapp on the set of EastEnders have been released ahead of his cameo in scenes with Danny Dyer.
The former footballer, 74, confirmed last week he will have a role on upcoming episodes of the soap, and official pictures of him on set were released on Tuesday.
In the pictures, Harry poses next to the sign for the show’s famous Albert Square and also stands with his hands in his pockets in front of the Queen Vic pub.
On set: Harry Redknapp seen in the first pictures on set of EastEnders as he joins for a cameo where he appears in scenes with Danny Dyer
He has joined the soap as a friend of Danny Dyer’s character Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter and it has been claimed the pair are already ‘inseparable’.
Harry was seen on his way to BBC’s Elstree studios last week to start shooting – with the scenes set to air during the Euros, which air from June-July 2021.
‘It’s no secret that I’ve wanted to be in EastEnders so I’m over the moon to be making a special cameo this summer’, Harry said. ‘With a nod to the Euros, it’s a lovely fit and, as a proper east Londoner, it’s been so much fun.
He added that Sandra, his wife of more than 50 years, is a ‘huge fan’ of the soap, ‘so it’s a real special moment for the whole family’.
Landmark: The former footballer, 74, poses next to the sign for the show’s famous Albert Square in official pictures of him on set were released on Tuesday
Harry told The Sun: ‘I’ve always wanted to have a drink in the Queen Vic. Danny Dyer was terrific to work with.’
It was claimed that Harry was ‘cheered’ by crew as he arrived on the set for the first time as he laughed and joked with Danny.
The pair are both from east London and reportedly bonded over their love of West Ham football club which Harry played for in the 60s and managed in the 90s.
Perfect partner: Harry has joined the soap as a friend of Danny Dyer’s character Mick Carter (pictured) and it has been claimed the pair are already inseparable
A source said the duo are now ‘inseparable’ after spending long days on set filming together.
The source added: ‘Harry isn’t a bad actor, especially for EastEnders. He brought a real-life Cockney feel.
‘It looks like this might not be the last viewers see of him. He and Danny were a great team-up.
‘They were both clearly over the moon to be working with each other. Everyone adored having Harry around.’
Star: Harry won the hearts of the nation when he became King Of The Jungle on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Outta Here! in 2018
Harry won the hearts of the nation when he became King Of The Jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Outta Here! in 2018.
Last month a source speaking to The Mirror claimed BBC bosses were keen to cast Harry after being wowed by his charm, saying: ‘Harry will be a great addition to EastEnders.
‘Even though he has no traditional acting experience, his character and charm are more than enough to stand him in good stead on the show.
‘And with him growing up in the real East End, it makes it even better. Everything has been pretty much agreed and it’s now down to the fine details.’
In January Harry shared his desire to appear in the soap as he told The Sun on Sunday: ‘My ambition for 2021 is to get a part in EastEnders because I’m a real Eastender.
‘I grew up in Poplar, so have a real affinity with the area. I’ve already worked out my character.’
Pals: Harry and Danny are both from east London and reportedly bonded over their love of West Ham football club which Harry played for in the 60s and managed in the 90s