An EastEnders actor was blown away after learning Dame Barbara Windsor helped him land a role on the BBC One soap.
Actor Harry Reid played Ben Mitchell, the on-screen grandson of Peggy Mitchell, from 2014 until 2018 but never knew that his co-star was responsible for him getting the role.
He was the fifth actor to play the character, until he was replaced by Max Bowden in 2019, and recently appeared on the Soap From The Box where he opened up about his time in Albert Sqaure.
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
Opening up to podcast host Lee Salisbury, about learning he’d got the role, he said: “I always repeat the story of finding out because it’s such a change of life. I was sat on a make shift toilet because I was stripping a council house in Woking. I was on my lunch break and my agent called me and that was when she told I got the part and I can safely say my breakfast left my body.
(Image: mirror.co.uk)
“There wasn’t as much elbow grease involved in the second half of the day but decorating is my bread and butter and something I dip in and out of when I’m not acting. I actually enjoy it.” Presenter Lee, who has previously worked on EastEnders as a director and producer went on to share some exciting news with the star.
(Image: PA)
Lee said: “I don’t know if you know this but Barbara Windsor, god rest her soul, was there at the time when they decided to bring Ben Mitchell back. They were going to explore Ben’s homosexuality and she was keen to be involved because she knew the Kray twins really well. and one of the brothers was gay. so I remember her saying she’d been given the chance to watch tapes of you guys who auditioned and she was part of the reason you got the part because she loved you and absolutely adored you from day one.”
(Image: PA)
A gobsmacked Harry replied: “Wow, I never knew that. That’s absolutely beautiful. I didn’t know not. I’m still very good friends with [Barbara’s husband] Scott Mitchell who is an incredible bloke.” Dame Barbara sadly passed away in December 2020 after battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Eastenders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
