In a surprisingly heartfelt and expletive-laden speech, actor Danny Dyer has declared that the pinnacle of his year was not winning a coveted BAFTA, but gaining a West Ham United footballer as a son-in-law.
A Night of Revelations at the Roundhouse
The 48-year-old EastEnders star was hosting the ZYN Rolling Stone UK Awards at London's Roundhouse on Thursday night when he made the emotional confession. Dyer, who finally won a BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance earlier in 2025 for his role in Mr Bigstuff, told the audience that one achievement overshadowed even that decades-long ambition.
He stated that while the acting award was a 'f**king BAFTA', the 'greatest achievement' of his life was his daughter Dani's marriage to West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen in the Summer. With both daughters in attendance, Dyer proudly proclaimed, 'Every dad dreams of his daughter bringing home the right person, but the captain of the team! What a touch.'
Star-Studded Ceremony and a Lifetime Honour
The event was a major night for the UK's entertainment industry, attracting a host of famous faces.
Other highlights from the evening included:
- A live performance from iconic band The Cranberries.
- Appearances from nominees and guests including Lewis Capaldi, FKA Twigs, comedian Mo Gilligan, and singers from the Sugababes.
- Sir Bob Geldof being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award for his role in organising Band Aid and Live Aid.
Geldof, 74, accepted the award, stating it 'wraps together a lot of things that have happened in my life.' He also gave a sobering update on his charity work, implying he was stepping back after campaigns that have raised more than £110 million, citing the emotional toll of the ongoing 'horror' in regions like Sudan and Ethiopia.
Family Over Fame
Dyer's candid speech, which reportedly featured the F-word a dozen times, shifted seamlessly from showbiz bravado to genuine paternal pride. His declaration underscores a personal milestone that no professional accolade could match, endearing him to the audience and highlighting the importance of family behind the celebrity facade.
The night concluded with a performance from Fayth Ifil from the Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical, paying tribute to Sir Bob's enduring philanthropic legacy.
