Harry Redknapp wants 'Coronation Street' role after filming 'EastEnders' cameo

Harry Redknapp says he has his eye on a role in Coronation Street after filming a cameo for rival soap EastEnders.

Asked whether he’d like to pay a return visit to Albert Square after recently shooting scenes for an upcoming episode, the former Premier League boss answered: “I’d love to."

"I’m always available and they’d better hurry up because I’m sure Coronation Street will be trying to get me now. I’m starting to perfect my Manchester accent, so Mick [Danny Dyer] will have to invite me back to the Queen Vic quick.”

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Redknapp also revealed that, prior to filming on the EastEnders set at BBC Elstree, he’d been under the misapprehension that the cast made the soap in actual habitable houses.

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“I thought it was all real,” he admitted. “I didn’t realise it was a set, so that was a surprise. I thought they must have bought a real Square up and used it for filming.

"I didn’t realise all the houses and the Queen Vic have been built for the show. It was amazing – it was all great fun and I really enjoyed it.”

Read more: Next week on EastEnders

Next week's drama will see Sonia’s dad Rocky (Brian Conley) tell his friends and neighbours that he’s mates with Redknapp. But knowing how he likes to spin a yarn, the likes of Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Jay (Jamie Borthwick) fail to believe him.

However, much to everyone’s surprise, the ex-West Ham manager then arrives in the neighbourhood. And Redknapp’s sudden appearance will result in him sharing scenes with the likes of both Conley and lifelong Hammers fan Dyer.

Of his experience filming alongside them, he said: “I’m a big fan of Brian Conley. I think he’s a fantastic talent and I love hearing him sing. He’s a great all-round entertainer. I know Danny really well, too – he’s a great guy.”

Redknapp isn’t the first familiar face to guest star as themselves on a soap. Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared on EastEnders in 2009 as part of a plotline that saw Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) planning to stand as a local election candidate.

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Coronation Street has, in the past, played host to Prince Charles (who appeared in its 40th anniversary episode back in 2000), while rockers Status Quo turned up to perform at Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) and Cilla Brown’s (Wendi Peters) wedding reception in 2005.

When asked whether he’d been a fan of EastEnders before becoming a part of it, Redknapp commented that it was firm fixture at home, but that football had to take priority if there was a scheduling clash:

“My wife Sandra never misses an episode – I watch it too but if there’s a match on the other side, I’ll be honest I have to switch! But I’ve followed it over the decades and I remember when it first started all those years ago.”

The 74-year-old’s appearance has been timed to coincide with this year’s long-awaited European Championships, and Redknapp has his fingers crossed that England will remain in the competition by the time his cameo is shown.

“Let’s hope we’ve got reason to celebrate when it airs! Me and the family will all be watching the episode. We’re ready for it and we’ll be singing the theme tune. I don’t usually watch myself on TV, but I’ll definitely make an exception for EastEnders.”

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