In this article we are going to discuss Shane Richie Facts, Shane Richie is a British actor, comedian, television presenter, and singer hailing from Kent. He was born on the 11th of March 1964 and initially found success as a stage and screen performer. But Shane is probably most known for his portrayal of Alfie Moon in the long-running BBC One soap opera EastEnders (appearing 2002–2005, 2010–2016, 2018–2019, 2022–present).
His career has been incredibly varied. He’s appeared in numerous theater productions including West End productions such as Grease and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He also undertook a successful UK tour to theaters in 2019 with his one-man show. His sitcom roles include Minder and Skins, whilst he also hosted The Shane Richie Experience on Channel 4 in 2003. In 2020 he competed on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Finishing up as runner-up to Giovanna Fletcher! Additionally, he has released several albums and singles over the years with some chart success.
Acting Roles in Films, Theater, and Television
Shane Richie’s Facts about their career in the entertainment industry have been expansive, to say the least. Since his first television role in sitcoms such as Minder and London’s Burning in 1986, he has gone on to appear in a wide range of films, theater plays, and television series.
To name a few: Richie starred alongside Dame Judi Dench in the BBC drama A Handful of Dust, and opposite Robert De Niro and Uma Thurman in the 1996 comedy-drama Little Men. He also appeared as Smee alongside Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
Moreover, he established himself as an acclaimed theater actor with roles such as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, originating the role of Bill Sykes for Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning production of Oliver!, and playing the title roles for both Jesus Christ Superstar and King Lear.
Most significantly though is his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders which earned him four British Soap Awards for Best Actor (2005–2007). He continued to play this character from 2002 until 2005 then again from 2010 until 2016—and again from 2018 onwards. His performance also led to his own spin-off drama – Redwater – which aired on RTÉ One. Most recently he’s become a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
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Music Career of Shane Richie
You may not be aware, but Shane Richie Facts states that he has had an exciting music career too! After the release of his debut album ‘Away From Home’ in 2000, he’s gone on to be quite a success in the industry. In 2005, he toured with an ABBA tribute act and even reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart after releasing a cover of ‘If I Said You Have a Beautiful Body’.
But just what else has Shane Richie achieved?
He Went On a Tour
In 2009, he went on tour for 55 shows alongside fellow EastEnders actor Todd Carty under their musical project Shane and Todd. Not only did they perform songs from their respective albums, but they also covered hits from the 50s and 60s.
New Album
In 2020, Shane released his second studio album titled A Country Soul. His first single from the album was ‘Good Fight’ and it reached number 16 on the UK Country Singles Chart. It also peaked at number one on Amazon’s Hot 20 British Country Music Chart!
Clearly, this guy is multi-talented – you name it, Shane Richie can do it!
Shane Richie Facts about Reality TV Shows
You may not know this, but Shane Richie’s Facts are that he appeared in a number of reality TV shows! From ‘All-Star Family Fortunes’ to ‘The Cube’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’ – his impressive list of appearances is quite something.
Here are a few more to add to the list:
- In 2019, Richie competed in the Winter Sports Reality Series ‘Tumble’, finishing as runner-up.
- A year earlier he participated in ITV’s celebrity diving show ‘Splash!’ and came in a very respectable fourth place.
- And who could forget his memorable appearance on the hit BBC series ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ back in 2005?
Whether its game shows, singing contests, or celebrity reality shows, Shane Richie has had an impressive run of appearances – and he shows no sign of stopping soon!
Modern-Day Ventures and Projects
Aside from his acting career, you may also be surprised to learn that Shane Richie has involved himself in many other ventures. In January 2010, he was a judge for the Sky 1 show Must Be The Music. He has since returned as a judge for the second series of Got to Dance in 2012 and then the series of All Together Now in 2018.
Shane Richie’s Facts are that he also ventured into the music industry, releasing his first album A Country Soul in 2008 and then an EP Fantastico Musica in 2009. He even had a UK tour called ‘The Crazy World of Shane Richie’ Tour across theaters around the UK in 2013.
It’s not just television appearances and singing either; he’s been involved with various pantomimes including Cinderella in 2008, Beauty & The Beast in 2011, and Sleeping Beauty in 2012 – who wouldn’t want to see that?
Most recently, Shane Richie released the autobiographical book Rags to Richie: My Story about growing up and all his experiences as an actor, which was published by Harper Collins on 5 October 2017. Plus he hosts a radio show on U105 every Saturday from 8 am-11 am.
Other Fun Facts about Shane Richie
You may not know this, but Shane Richie is quite the all-rounder! Asides from his acting and comedy chops, did you know that he’s also a singer and television presenter?
Singing
Shane Richie has hit the stage and performed several solo gigs too – singing songs from musicals, plus a few of his own original songs. One of his singles (“I’m Your Man”) even made it to number 11 on the UK Singles Chart! Now that’s impressive.
Television Presenter
He’s worked as a presenter on various shows including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The Priory and Star Mr & Mrs. You may have also seen him presenting panel game show like Big Star’s Little Star and The 21st Question – though some of these have been in his native Ireland.
Writing Career
Shane is an accomplished writer too! His book, ‘The Mumper’, was released in 2017 and tells all about seventeen-year-old Davey Knight who longs for something more than the drudgery of life in a Southwark council estate in the 1980s. Aside from The Mumper, he’s written four other books: The Real Alfie Moon (2006), Just for the Record (2008), Time for Tea (2010), and Up His Sleeve (2013).
