Shane Richie’s new ‘lovable geezer’ role in Pawhavan

EASTENDERS star Shane Richie has signed up to voice another “lovable geezer” – this time in a children’s TV show.

Jane Horrocks, Simon Callow, Anne Reid and Richie are among the stars who will be voicing characters for new animated series Claude, based on Alex T Smith’s best-selling books.

Claude follows the humorous adventures of a beret-clad dog and his faithful sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, in the seaside resort of Pawhaven.

Richie, 53, who recently denied that he turned down an offer to return to EastEnders as Alfie Moon, said: “With such a wonderful cast involved in Claude it was an honour to be asked to join the project.”

He joked: “I’d love to live in Pawhaven – it’s like Walford, only with a constant rainbow over it.”

Richie will voice the role of “lovable geezer and trader Denzel Pedal” in the new production, which has also signed up Su Pollard, Brian Mur- phy, Tameka Empson and Bhasker Patel.

Alex T Smith said: “It’s a nervous moment, as an author, hearing the voices of characters who have lived in your head for over a decade, but my every expectation has been surpassed.”

Reid said of voicing Dame Turret: “I loved it. I vaguely based my character on a very domineering French teacher at school who told me I’d never make it as an actress.”

Richie recently denied that he had decided not to go back to EastEnders after his appearance in the show’s spin-off, Redwater, saying “it’s part of my life”.