Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Eastenders Barry: I’m doing Big Brother to save career
I might turn into miserable old git, says show favourite
FORMER Eastenders star Shaun Williamson has admitted going into the Celebrity Big Brother house to remind people he is “still alive”.
The 51-year-old actor has worked mainly in regional theatre after quitting the BBC soap in 2004.
And since being the butt of Ricky Gervais’ jokes in Extras he is known simply as “Barry from Eastenders”.
Before entering the house last night, Shaun said: “It is an attempt to be known more as Shaun. I think people will expect to see Barry-ish and will see a slightly tougher side. Whether that is a positive, I will have to wait and see.”
He has been typecast since playing buffoon
Barry Evans. He added: “When it comes to drama I am not offered it. I am not saying this is going to help, but at least it gives people a jolt so they remember you are still alive.” Father-of-three Shaun, who divorced in 2014, is bookmaker Ladbrokes’ 7/2 favourite to win the Channel 5 series. But he told the Mirror: “Save your money. I am worried about sleep deprivation. If you go six nights on three hours’ sleep because they are all coming in screaming and shouting and drunk then there might be a problem. I will look like a right miserable old git.” Other celebs in the house include Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding, 35, comedienne Helen Lederer, 62, and actor Paul Danan, 39. There are also reality TV stars Jordan Davies, 25, and Jemma Lucy, 28, of Ex On The Beach, and Sam Thompson, 25, of Made In Chelsea.