EastEnders star Danny Dyer discovers he’s descended from royalty and related to Thomas Cromwell on Who Do Y... (original) (raw)
Actor counts William the Conquerer and Edward III among his ancestors
- Published: 0:01, 14 Nov 2016
- Updated: 5:31, 15 Nov 2016
EASTENDERS actor Danny Dyer has discovered he's related to two kings of England, William the Conquerer and Edward III, as well as Thomas Cromwell.
The cockney star's surprising blood links are revealed in the new series of BBC One programme Who Do You Think You Are?, in which celebrities trace their family trees with the help of genealogy experts.
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Danny Dyer has discovered he's descended from two kings of EnglandCredit: Radio Times
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The EastEnders star appears in the upcoming series of Who Do You Think You Are? on BBC OneCredit: Radio Times
Danny, who grew up in Canning Town, east London, told Radio Times magazine that he's especially pleased by the connection to Cromwell, who was born to a tavern owner in Putney, served as chief minister to King Henry VIII and helped orchestrate the downfall of Ann Boleyn before he was executed for treason in 1540.
Danny, 39, said: “[Cromwell] came from a slum, I come from a slum. Cromwell left the country at 14, I started acting at 14. He was a self-taught lawyer. I’m a self-taught actor.
"Cromwell had two daughters and a son. I’ve got two daughters and a son. Cromwell wrote his last letter to Henry VIII begging for his life, on July 24, which is my birthday… And I drink in the Anne Boleyn pub.”
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Danny posed in a get-up inspired by his ancestor William the Conquerer for a photo shoot in Radio Times magazineCredit: Radio Times
Researchers on Who Do You Think You Are? also found links to a English Civil War Cavalier colonel and a present-day lord, who invites Danny to his castle for a cup of tea.
The actor joins singer Cheryl, Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, film and stage legend Sir Ian McKellen and other stars on the upcoming 13th series of the show, which kicks off Thursday, November 24, at 8pm on BBC One.
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Danny reckons he's a 'brilliant' actor
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The Radio Times issue featuring Danny Dyer is on sale from Tuesday, November 15, 2016Credit: Radio Times
Outspoken Danny, who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter on EastEnders, also told the Radio Times that he thinks he's a "brilliant actor" and that his co-star Adam Woodyatt... isn't exactly an actor at all.
Danny, who has 80 acting credits to his name on IMDB, said: "Adam Woodyatt [Ian Beale] has played one role. No disrespect to Adam, but that’s not an actor.... he’s auditioned once in his whole career. And acting’s about auditioning."
He added that Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, was also "brilliant", but has only ever played one role as well.
— The Radio Times issue featuring Danny Dyer is on sale from Tuesday, November 15, 2016.