**Danny Dyer Describes Bafta Win as ‘Very Emotional’ After Decades in Entertainment**
Veteran British actor Danny Dyer has spoken candidly about the powerful emotions that came with his recent Bafta win, reflecting on more than three decades at the heart of the acting world. The 48-year-old, widely known for his role in *EastEnders* and numerous film and television appearances, received the Bafta TV Award for Best Male Performance in a Comedy for his role as Lee in the Sky Max comedy series *Mr Bigstuff*.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Dyer expressed his gratitude at finally being recognised by one of the industry’s most prestigious awarding bodies. “It was a very emotional moment for me,” he said. “After 35 years grafting in this business, getting my flowers, as they say, means a lot.” He continued, suggesting the recognition could serve as an inspiration to others from similar backgrounds: “I hope it shows anyone who feels like they don’t have a chance—especially those from working class backgrounds—that if you’re committed, believe in yourself, and stay ambitious, you can achieve your goals.”
Dyer’s career is imbued with stories of perseverance and self-belief, often in the face of adversity and an industry that can feel exclusive and impenetrable to outsiders. “I think me winning that Bafta proves anyone can do it,” he remarked, sharing his hope that his success might motivate younger generations to keep pushing forward. “Just keep at it, never give up, and you never know what you might achieve,” he advised.
Despite his achievements, Dyer did not shy away from critiquing the entertainment sphere, describing it as “quite an elite thing, that Bafta business.” The actor shared concerns about the dwindling presence of working-class talent in television and film, calling the situation “a real shame.” He added, “I’m not knocking my own achievements, but this industry needs a shake-up—there’s so much talent out there that just doesn’t get the opportunity.”
The actor is not resting on his laurels after his Bafta triumph. Dyer hinted that *Mr Bigstuff* could return for another series, much to the delight of fans. The comedy’s forthcoming series delves further into the lives of brothers Lee and Glen—played by Dyer and Ryan Sampson—as they embark on a search for their long-lost father. Dyer described his character as highly relevant to current conversations around masculinity. “Lee’s got this lovable quality and no filter; he’s always fighting for what’s right. It’s interesting to play someone who stands out in today’s landscape of discussions about what it means to be a man.”
Outside of *Mr Bigstuff*, Dyer remains in high demand. He has recently appeared in the Disney+ drama *Rivals* and taken the lead in Nick Love’s comedy-drama *Marching Powder*. These roles illustrate his ongoing versatility and enduring appeal as a performer.
Addressing the challenges that come with fame in the digital age, Dyer reflected on the evolving nature of public perception, particularly online. “It’s odd to think about how people see me. On social media, there can be a lot of negativity, especially on platforms like Facebook and Twitter—places that can be quite toxic,” he said. The actor noted that he prefers Instagram for its more positive environment but remains grounded, distinguishing between the virtual world and real life. “For me, the real world is what matters. When I’m out and about, I get nothing but love.”
Currently, Dyer has entered a new arena as the face of Deliveroo’s latest campaign, known for its tongue-in-cheek humour. His willingness to embrace new ventures, along with his down-to-earth nature and honesty about the industry’s challenges, continues to resonate with fans.
As Dyer marks this significant milestone in his career, his reflections serve as a reminder both of the obstacles faced by working-class actors in British entertainment and of the power of persistence. His emotional reaction to finally being recognised after 35 years underlines the deep personal meaning such industry honours can hold, even for the most established stars.