Barry’s Big Bro reboot
Former Enders star in bid to boost flagging career
EX-EASTENDER Shaun Williamson entered the Celebrity Big Brother house last night – then admitted he did it to boost his career.
The 51-year-old is known to millions as Barry Evans from a decade on Albert Square until 2004.
Since then, he has starred in Ricky Gervais’s comedy Extras but has primarily been involved in regional theatre in recent years.
Shaun admitted: “It is an attempt to be known more as Shaun. I honestly think people will expect to see Barry but they’ll see a slightly tougher side. Whether that is a positive, I will have to wait and see.
“You realise what East-Enders gives you. You never know what it’s cost you.
“When it comes to straight drama, I am just not offered it.
“I get offered beautiful parts on stage and the occasional really good part in comedy on television and nothing in drama.
“I’m not saying this is really going to help the drama but at least it gives people a jolt so they remember you are still alive.
“You go in there for a life adventure, not many people get to do it. I am doing it for financial reasons. I am doing it because I like the show.”
Shaun, who divorced in 2014 and has three kids, is 7-2 favourite to win Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5. But he’s not confident of winning and said: “Save your money. I’ll just try to not let myself down.
“The only way I’ll let myself down is having a dig at someone. I will look like a right miserable old git.”
Other stars going into the house include Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding and comedienne Helen Lederer.