I’m a Celebrity: Shane Richie says he lost £700,000 before landing Alfie Moon role on EastEnders

Actor was close to bankruptcy when he was told he’d got the job

Roisin O'Connor
Sunday 22 November 2020 17:19 EST
Comments
Shane Richie reveals how EastEnders role saved him from bankruptcy

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Shane Richie revealed he had lost almost £700,000 and was close to losing his home when he learnt he’d won the role of Alfie Moon on EastEnders

The actor spoke about his struggles during a moment on the latest episode of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

“They said, we’ve got this great character, looking for a cheeky Londoner,” he began, explaining his early audition. 

At the time, he was close to bankruptcy after investing a six-figure sum in the film Shoreditch, which was later savaged by critics and seen by just 300 people upon its release in 2004. 

Richie revealed he was close to tears when his manager called and told him he’d got the part in EastEnders. 

Read more: Who is Shane Richie and why is he famous?

“I started getting teary… then they said, your first step is coming in and taking over the Queen Vic. I started crying," he said. 

Being saved at the last minute seems to be a recurring theme with Richie. 

The actor had previously revealed that he chose to appear on I’m a Celebrity because he was “skint” due to the pandemic.

I’m a Celebrity continues each night at 9pm on ITV.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in