Danny Dyer delves deeper into his royal roots with a follow-up to his hit Who Do You Think You Are? episode
DANNY DYER finding out he was related to royalty on Who Do You Think You Are? was easily one of the greatest TV moments of 2016.
And now fans who enjoyed learning about his direct links to former monarchs Edward III and William The Conqueror are in for a real treat with a second fix of the Dyer family history.
The BBC is working on another programme delving into the EastEnders’ star’s family tree following the last success.
Filming has already begun on the deeper trace of his ancestry, and his links to Henry VIII’s right-hand man Thomas Cromwell.
A BBC source said: “The reaction to Danny’s Who Do You Think You Are? episode was huge last time, so bosses thought they should go back and have another look. There is only so much of the genealogy journey you can show in an hour, so viewers will get to have another delve into the deep, dark history of Danny Dyer and Co.”
The show is being made by production firm Wall to Wall, which is also behind popular series Long Lost Family and various other historical programmes.
The cynic in me thinks that BBC chiefs might be doing this to capitalise on his daughter Dani Dyer’s success on ITV2’s Love Island.
But apparently it’s part of a wider plan to try to get the Cockney geezer to do more non-EastEnders programmes for the Beeb.
My source added: “He could be like a more accessible Simon Schama and front history shows in his unique Danny Dyer way.”
I’d watch them.
READ ON FOR MORE OF ANDY HALLS' BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Shopping trippy, Si?
SIMON Cowell pushes his son around a supermarket in a trolley – and looks like he’s daydreaming through the experience.
Four-year-old lookalike Eric, meanwhile, took the shopping trip in Malibu, California, on Wednesday in his stride.
Perhaps tired-looking Simon’s mind was on his new gameshow instead of the hunt for milk and bread.
I’m told he’s trying to give the format another go after the somewhat unsuccessful Red Or Black? hosted by Ant and Dec. The ITV show lasted just two series before ending in 2012. Simon has Britain’s Got
More Talent’s Stephen Mulhern on board to host the new show, called Rollin’ In It.
It will see celebrities answer questions in a bid to win cash for members of the public.
The show is being made by Over The Top, the production company of Nigel Hall, Syco’s global head of
TV and Simon’s right-hand man. A source said: “Stephen has shot the pilot which looked really good. All being well, it will be a full series.”
bizbit
PAUL WHITEHOUSE and Bob Mortimer have bagged another series of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing for BBC2 after telly audiences fell hook, line and sinker for the first run of the quirky angling series.
Jeremy get on his bike
JEREMY VINE has worked out a nifty way to be in two places at the same time.
The presenter will pre-record part of his new Channel 5 consumer show – formerly The Wright Stuff – before dashing across town to fulfil his BBC Radio 2 duties.
The news review section will be taped in front of a studio audience then played out at the end of the show while Jeremy gets on his bike to get to his next gig in time.
He is due to start hosting the revamped programme, which is simply called Jeremy Vine, next month.
The switch follows Matthew Wright stepping down as host after an impressive 18 years, vowing to “try something new”.
But viewers will be glad to hear that despite the change in its name and look, long-serving co-host of The Wright Stuff – Storm Huntley is set to stay.
Jeremy will be in good company.
bizbit
FRIENDS star David Schwimmer is joining Channel 5’s Will & Grace for five episodes as the recurring love interest of Debra Messing's Grace in the reboot of the Nineties comedy. He won’t be able to top those Ross gags.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
must watch
WHAT? Britain By Bike With Larry & George Lamb, 8pm, Channel 5
WHY? The father and son duo set out on another road trip trying out madcap activities such as llama riding. Expect plenty of dad jokes.
bizbit
RYLAN CLARK-NEAL has explained he was forced to head home early from Eurovision, where he had hosted the semi-finals, because husband Dan fell ill. He said: “I just went on my phone, booked my flight and said, ‘I’ve got to go’.”
soapbox
TINA is shocked in EASTENDERS when she returns from Southend with Mick and Linda to find out about the note that Stuart left.
She decides to leave again, but a heart-to-heart with Sonia changes her mind.
Meanwhile, Keanu decides not to tell Phil the real reason for the break-in because he doesn’t want to land Dennis in trouble.
In CORONATION STREET Imran is sceptical over the fraud claims about Sally, but Duncan assures him that he’s got hard evidence.
Oblivious to the drama unfolding, Sally and Tim host a family BBQ.
Elsewhere, Abi assures Steve that their kiss meant nothing as she was drunk.