Danny Dyer reveals why public's perception of him will change after Rivals series

Danny Dyer says people's perception of him will change after they see him play Freddie in new series, Rivals

Danny Dyer admitted having to tackle Japanese for Rivals nearly broke him, along with singing karaoke. The EastEnders star, 47, plays rough diamond tycoon Freddie Jones for the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s hit 1980s blockbuster.

Danny said of his language challenge: “I had a lot of fear around it. I did have one night where I thought, ‘I can’t do this. They’re going to have to ADR it [add audio]’. But actually, I just put the work in.”

Early on in the filming process he also had to belt out Meatloaf’s Bat Out of Hell in front of the cast. “I had a lot of anxiety around the Japanese and singing karaoke in front of ­everybody when I didn’t really know them,” he said.

Danny thinks landing the part of Freddie could be a turning point. “Playing a role where I look very different... will maybe change a few people’s perceptions of me,” he said.

The actor said he drew on the snobbery he has experienced to play Freddie, who is married to Valerie (Lisa McGrillis), as he ­negotiates life in the Cotswolds. “I have come across quite a lot of classism that just spurred me on a little bit more,” he said. Danny added accepting the role of Freddie was “a no-brainer”.

Rivals, Disney+, from October 18