Keith Allen fulfills bucket list role in EastEnders

Actor Keith Allen has expressed his excitement about joining the cast of EastEnders. He plays Gaz, a patient in a mental health unit where Phil Mitchell, a long-time character on the show, is being treated. In a recent interview on The One Show, Allen shared that being a part of the soap was on his "bucket list." He felt honored to participate in a storyline that addresses mental health issues, which he believes is very important. Allen said he had been approached in the past to play the father of Danny Dyer's character but was unable to take on the role at that time. He joked about the financial aspects of acting on the show but quickly clarified that it was truly a dream of his. Allen noted that doing even one episode of EastEnders is something he cherished. His character, Gaz, plays a significant role in Phil's recovery journey. Allen described Gaz as a "lifeline" for Phil, offering support and understanding. He mentioned that Gaz sees Phil as someone who is facing similar struggles and helps him during a challenging time. EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One, and The One Show is shown on weekdays at 7 PM. For those seeking mental health support, resources are available through organizations like Samaritans.