Calls for Danny Dyer to move into politics after comments about benefit claimants go viral

Danny Thompson
Updated
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Danny Dyer the Press Room at the Virgin TV BAFTA Television Award at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Danny Dyer the Press Room at the Virgin TV BAFTA Television Award at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is winning new fans after comments he made about benefit claimants went viral.

The 43-year-old’s name was trending on social media after fans shared a section of his 2016 book The World According To Danny Dyer: Life Lessons from the East End which touches on “benefit culture”.

The quotes say some people working full time do not make enough money “to cover the basics of life” which means “the state” are expected to “pick up the rest of the tab”.

Many have praised the actor’s sentiments on Twitter, with some branding the comments “spot on”.

Watch: Danny Dyer slams Eton politicians

Dyer’s quote reads: “People bang on about benefits culture, all that. There are p***-takers, no one doubts that.

“But I know plenty of people on benefits who work hard – it’s just they don’t get paid enough to cover the basics of life.

Read more: Danny Dyer believes COVID-19 is divine intervention to change human behaviour

“Now you can say, ‘Get off you’re a*** and get a better job’. All right, say everyone does that. Who’s gonna actually do the s**tty jobs then?

“If you’re working forty hours a week and you can’t cover your bills, that ain’t your fault. It’s the fault of the sl*** paying you.

“So if you have to claim benefits, claim ‘em and don’t feel bad about it. It’s not you who is getting the benefit anyway, it’s your employer.

“They pay you s*** and expect the state to pick up the rest of the tab.”

Danny Dyer plays 'EastEnders' pub landlord Mick Carter (BBC)
Danny Dyer plays 'EastEnders' pub landlord Mick Carter (BBC)

One fan who agreed tweeted: “I feel like I've been saying this a lot recently, but I really do have a lot of time for Danny Dyer.”

Another said: “Danny Dyer telling it like it is, putting arrogant snobs who look down their noses to shame.”

Read more: Danny Dyer accidentally got drunk while filming EastEnders

Some felt Dyer might be a better fit for 10 Downing Street than current prime minister Boris Johnson.

One fan wrote: “Any chance Danny Dyer could be persuaded to become prime minister? He seems to have a better grasp of reality than the current incumbent.”

Another simply put: “Danny Dyer for prime minister!”

Watch: Danny Dyer 'blanked' by the Royals despite history show hit

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