Get your glass of bubbly at the ready because Danny Dyer is gearing up to take on the Queen as he serves up an alternative Christmas message.
The EastEnders hardman, who famously ranted about Brexit on live TV in June, will talk politics, family and heroes on Channel 4.
A teaser clip sees Dyer brand 2018 a “shambles” as he asks where the country’s leaders are, before comparing Westminster to the drama and “backstabbing” in Walford.
He also brands President Donald Trump a “melt” and berates him for not making a state visit to the UK.
But the actor will also open up about his personal life, including his childhood and how playwright Harold Pinter stepped in as a father figure and changed his life.
“I had the Old Bill round my gaff every five minutes,” he says. “I was a wrong ’un. No one knew how to help me. Then I found a father figure I didn’t even know I needed.
“I went for an audition for a play and I met this old geezer who wrote it. He was an East Ender, he was a West Ham fan just like me.
“He thought I was alright and he gave me the part. Turns out it was a fella called Harold Pinter.
“He became the most influential man in my life… He taught me that where I came from didn’t dictate where I went to.”
Dyer says we need more “heroes” in 2019 – even if they may be a “handsome, roguish actor off your favourite soap”.
“If we need anything for 2019, it’s for each of us to find who we look up to,” he says. “Could be your mum, could be your dad, your stepdad, your nan, teacher, social worker, maybe even a handsome, roguish actor off your favourite soap.”
Dyer joins a long list of stars, including Adam Hills, Katie Piper and Jamie Oliver, who have all joined the channel on Christmas Day to offer an alternative message to the Queen’s speech.
Danny Dyer’s Alternative Christmas Message airs on Christmas Day at 3.50pm on Channel 4
