EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer becomes a drag queen in new music video
EastEnders actor Danny Dyer has dragged up for a music video – and he says he’s “always” wanted to try out drag.
No, you don’t need to check your calendar – we’re serious.
The gruff actor appears in a rather surprising way in the video for ‘Nebraska’, by indie singer Lucy Rose.
The video, which the Independent premièred today, explores concepts of gender – with Dyer’s male character coming across a drag show before agonising over his own identity.
However, he eventually dons a sparkly dress, make-up and heels.
Dyer told The Independent: “I was honoured to be asked by the maestro that is Lucy Rose to be part of her video. When I got the treatment through I was overwhelmed. I think it’s such a moving piece of work.
“I’m beyond proud to be part of it, I’ve always believed that people should be who they wanna be, regardless of race or gender. Freedom of expression is so important – I really hope that this video gets the recognition it deserves.”
Lucy Rose conceded it would be a “risk” for Dyer, adding: “[Director] Chris McGill came up with the idea and I loved it straight away but in all honesty was absolutely bricking it sending it to Danny.
“How could I ask Danny to do what we were asking him to do? The miracle to this story is that almost an hour after I sent over the treatment he replied saying ‘let’s do it, I’ve always wanted to be a drag queen!’.”
She added: “I think most importantly we wanted to make some beautiful and emotive but also tell a story that life can be tough and it doesn’t always go to plan and we all need our own form of escapism. This video to me isn’t about Danny being a drag queen but a freedom of expression and a form of escapism.
“I’m sure there’s many things we all want to do but we are worried that it means we won’t fit in. Fit into the mould that society has told us to live in which is accepted. Also our actions don’t always need to be justified – why does Danny’s character feel that dressing up in drag will help him overcome all his problems?
“That really doesn’t matter, but let’s just accept him for who he is and not ask questions. Let everyone be who they want and don’t make them justify their choices.
“But of course this story is told so much better by having Danny Dyer tell it, as you would never expect in a million years he would dress up as a drag queen and perform and that’s exactly why he’s the perfect person to do this role.”
