S5 EP7: Danny Dyer describes battling addiction, UFO obsessions, and tackling Shakespeare

12 snips

Jun 16, 2025

Danny Dyer, a Bafta-winning actor celebrated for roles in 'EastEnders' and 'The Football Factory', dives into his journey battling addiction and the impact on his stage performances. He shares a humorous yet sincere take on his obsession with UFOs and his thoughts on tackling Shakespeare. The conversation unveils his thoughts on fame, personal relationships, and the complexities of addiction, making for a captivating and candid discussion that highlights his unique perspective on life and art.

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INSIGHT

Anti-Hero in Working-Class Films

Films like The Football Factory authentically depict working-class culture with anti-hero narratives.
Nick Love combines realistic characters with a questioning attitude rather than celebratory tone.

INSIGHT

Authenticity Divides Opinions

Danny Dyer's authenticity and swagger cause division, with people either connecting or dismissing him as playing himself.
This openness about personal struggles contrasts with typical guarded actor personas and influences his career reception.

ANECDOTE

Documentary Made For Housing

Danny Dyer did the documentary "Deadliest Men" mainly to afford a home deposit.
His fame helped gain trust with dangerous subjects, although he never enjoyed the experience.

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The Football Factory

John King

The novel delves into the violent subculture of football hooliganism in England, portraying the lives of ordinary men who find identity and purpose in organized football violence. It explores the motivations, rituals, and social dynamics of hooligan gangs, revealing the complex mix of camaraderie, territoriality, and aggression that drives them. King's writing captures the raw energy and brutality of football violence, providing an unflinching look at the dark side of football fandom. The book challenges stereotypes about hooligans, depicting them as individuals with their own fears, loyalties, and personal struggles. Through its visceral depiction of violence and its exploration of working-class identity, The Football Factory offers a provocative commentary on contemporary English society.

The Caretaker

Harold Pinter

The play revolves around two brothers, Mick and Aston, and a homeless man named Davies, exploring themes of power, identity, and the struggle for belonging. Set in a dilapidated London house, the characters engage in complex psychological games, vying for dominance and control over each other. Pinter's use of silence, pauses, and ambiguous dialogue creates an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, reflecting the characters' hidden motives and unspoken desires. The play delves into the nature of human relationships, revealing the fragility of trust and the constant threat of betrayal. Through its exploration of social alienation and the search for meaning, The Caretaker offers a haunting and unsettling portrayal of the human condition.

The dumb waiter

Harold Pinter

Set in a claustrophobic basement room, it features two hitmen, Ben and Gus, awaiting instructions for their next assignment. The play explores themes of power, communication, and the absurdity of existence, as the two men grapple with their roles and the mysterious orders they receive. Pinter's use of silence, pauses, and ambiguous dialogue creates a sense of unease and tension, reflecting the characters' uncertainty and paranoia. The play's minimalist setting and sparse language highlight the psychological dynamics between Ben and Gus, revealing their insecurities and their struggle to maintain control. Through its exploration of violence, identity, and the breakdown of communication, The Dumb Waiter offers a chilling and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition.

The Red Room

H. G. Wells

In 'The Red Room', a young man decides to spend a night in a room that is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the old earl or his young countess. Despite the warnings from the old housekeeper and her companions, he enters the room determined to debunk the myth. However, as the night progresses, he experiences an overwhelming sense of fear that seems to emanate from the room itself, rather than any supernatural presence. The story explores the psychological effects of fear and the power it holds over the human mind.

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors. The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church. Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers[3][4][5].

The birthday party

Wes Magee

This book explores themes related to celebrations and personal relationships, though specific details are not available.