West Ham's Jarrod Bowen makes surprise EastEnders cameo as part of soap's 40th anniversary

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Evening Standard

·12 de febrero de 2025

West Ham's Jarrod Bowen makes surprise EastEnders cameo as part of soap's 40th anniversary

It was a full-circle moment as the Hammers captain also happens to be the future son-in-law of former star Danny Dyer

West Ham United captain and England star Jarrod Bowen has made a surprise appearance in EastEnders.

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The footballer, 28, made Hammers superfan Billy Mitchell’s day when he popped up in a video message to wish him all the best on his upcoming nuptials to the character’s long-term partner, Honey, during Wednesday night’s episode.

Albert Square shares its famous E20 postcode with the home of West Ham United, the London Stadium, and the long-running drama has seen no shortage of West Ham supporting characters, with the world-famous East London football club often featuring on sets, in wardrobe and props over the last four decades.

Speaking on his appearance on the show, Jarrod Bowen said: “It’s great to be part of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations and appear on the show. EastEnders is loved by so many people and obviously has a strong link to the East London community, so to represent West Ham United in this very special episode is a really nice moment for everyone connected with the club.”

Hammers superfan Billy Mitchell can’t believe his eyes when Jarrod Bowen pops up in a video message

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Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer EastEnders, added: “We’re thrilled that Jarrod agreed to take part in our special celebrations as we lead up to our 40th anniversary. EastEnders has many dedicated West Ham fans, both on and off screen, so it’s a real honour that we can now say we have had the West Ham captain and England international appear in the show.”

EastEnders will celebrate its momentous 40th anniversary next week, starting from February 17, with all episodes airing simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7:30pm. A special hour-long episode will air on the show's anniversary, February 19, followed by a full live episode on February 20, which will not only reveal who Denise chooses, but will conclude an explosive week of drama in Walford.

Jarrod Bowen is engaged to former EastEnders star Danny Dyer’s daughter, Dani

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In Bowen’s case, it was a bit of a full-circle moment as his future father-in-law happens to be former EastEnders star Danny Dyer.

His fiancée is Dyer’s daughter Dani Dyer, who herself made a cameo in the soap back in 2021 as a pregnant taxi driver opposite her real-life dad.

The two got engaged during a romantic boat trip in Ibiza last summer after three years of dating.

Dyer - who has previously appeared on Love Island - has teased their plans to have an “intimate and small” wedding this year with their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer acting as flower girls.

Dyer’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship, is also likely to play an important role in the nuptials.