Is footballing legend Harry Redknapp joining the cast of EastEnders?

Harry Redknapp
CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 11: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Harry Redknapp attends day 2 'Ladies Day' of the Cheltenham Festival 2020 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 11, 2020 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (Image credit: Getty Images)

Harry Redknapp is so determined to land a role in EastEnders that he has even written the script...

Footballing legend Harry Redknapp has revealed his ambition for 2021 is to land a part in EastEnders.

However, he doesn't see himself in the soap for decades to come.

He has instead hinted that he's like to be in the show for a year before his character is dramatically bumped off.

EastEnders Danny Dyer as Mick Carter

Harry is asking EastEnders bosses to make him Mick Carter's new business partner (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

Harry's written his first scene 

The 2018 I'm A Celebrity winner told The Sun that he has even written the script for when he arrives in the soap...

"My ambition for 2021 is to get a part in EastEnders because I'm a real Eastender.

"I grew up in Poplar, so have a real affinity with the area.

"I've already worked out my character and this is the scene...

EastEnders Mick Carter

Could Harry Redknapp soon become a regular in The Vic with Mick Carter? (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes)

"Mick Carter and the regular punters are in The Vic.

"They're at the bar having a drink, and one of them says, ''ere, you heard Redknapp has moved back in the area?' and another says, 'Nah, he's moved to that posh Sandbanks.'"

"Mick then says, 'Nah, he's had enough of it. He's come back.'

"At this point, I come into the pub and they all turn around looking shocked and say, 'I've moved around the corner.'

"Mick then says, 'Harry's back 'cause we're starting up a little business. A bit of this, bit of that.'

EastEnders Shirley discovers the truth

Harry's former team, West Ham, takes pride of place in the Carters lounge (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes)

"I've already written the script so now all the show's bosses need to do is to call me up.

"I'd like to be in it for a year, before they bump me off or something."

West Ham fan

Harry is convinced he's perfect to be Mick Carter's new sidekick after actor Danny Dyer is a life-long West Ham fan - and so is his on screen alter ego.

The football team, which Harry played for 175 times and managed from 1994 until 2001, even features in the Carter family living room, with a 'Carter 77' West Ham shirt on their wall.

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC One - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.