I’m a Celebrity: Shane Richie says he lost £700,000 before landing Alfie Moon role on EastEnders

Actor was close to bankruptcy when he was told he’d got the job

Shane Richie revealed he had lost almost £700,000 and was close to losing his home when he learnt he’d won the role of Alfie Moon on EastEnders. 

The actor spoke about his struggles during a moment on the latest episode of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

“They said, we’ve got this great character, looking for a cheeky Londoner,” he began, explaining his early audition. 

At the time, he was close to bankruptcy after investing a six-figure sum in the film Shoreditch, which was later savaged by critics and seen by just 300 people upon its release in 2004. 

Richie revealed he was close to tears when his manager called and told him he’d got the part in EastEnders. 

(Rex Features)

Read more: Who is Shane Richie and why is he famous?

“I started getting teary… then they said, your first step is coming in and taking over the Queen Vic. I started crying," he said. 

Being saved at the last minute seems to be a recurring theme with Richie. 

The actor had previously revealed that he chose to appear on I’m a Celebrity because he was “skint” due to the pandemic.

I’m a Celebrity continues each night at 9pm on ITV.