Danny Dyer has pushed back against criticism over his appearances in advertisements for betting companies, asserting that there are more pressing concerns. The 48-year-old actor, known for his role in Rivals, has featured in televised adverts for gambling giant Paddy Power.
In a new interview with The Guardian, Dyer responded to the backlash: "I understand there’s morality around it, but let me tell you now, there’s other s*** to worry about than a f***ing gambling advert." He added, "Look what’s going on with [US president Donald] Trump and his threat of nuclear war. All of our politicians, all of them, have f***ed us over and over again. And we just seem lost."
Celebrities often face criticism for promoting betting companies, with research indicating that a majority oppose such endorsements. A GambleAware study from last September found that 67 per cent of people think celebrities should be banned from promoting gambling, as it "potentially normalises gambling and increases appeal."
Dyer downplayed his influence as a role model, stating he must prioritise his own life and family. "All I can focus on is the people around me and my son. That’s real life to me. I’m not on some f***ing mission to change society. I’ll speak out about stuff now and again, but I’m not on a crusade. I’m just looking after the young men around me and hopefully I’ll lead by example," he said.
Expanding on his worldview, Dyer remarked: "Protest makes no difference, clearly. It’s very difficult to take on the elites. So it’s all just about loving people, loving life, getting good people around you. Enjoy your f***ing life, man. Enjoy it. Squeeze as much joy out of it as you possibly can."
Dyer also spoke about his appearance on the genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are? in 2016, where he learned he was distantly related to Thomas Cromwell and royalty. He admitted indifference to his heritage but was motivated by the fee. "I got 18 grand for that. I don’t really give a f*** about my distant relatives, but the money was good. I think the producers were more impressed that I was related to the king than me. I was more impressed with Cromwell, because he was working class," he said.
Dyer will next appear in series two of the Jilly Cooper adaptation Rivals, streaming on Disney+ from 15 May.
