In a heartfelt revelation, Danny Dyer has opened up about his incredible journey from financial hardship to millionaire status, detailing the struggles he faced before landing the career-changing role in EastEnders.

The 47-year-old actor recently shared his story of being “so skint” that when the BBC offered him the role of Mick Carter in 2013, he couldn’t even afford to buy the executives a drink. Speaking candidly on his rise to fame, Dyer confessed to The Sun that he was struggling financially at the time. “I had enough petrol money to get to the meeting, but that was about it,” he admitted.

Back in 2013, Dyer found himself at a crossroads in his career. Despite being a well-known face on British TV, the actor was in a tough spot financially. “I couldn’t even afford to buy a lager,” Dyer recalled. “I thought, ‘I hope they don’t ask me to buy one!’” Despite the initial financial struggles, he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: taking over the iconic Queen Vic on EastEnders. The offer felt almost too good to be true, but Dyer was cautious—he didn’t want to appear desperate.

He played it cool during the meeting, keeping his excitement in check. “I wanted to do a cartwheel, but I kept my cool. I didn’t want them to think I was too keen,” Dyer said with a laugh. Little did he know, this role would not only define his career but also lead to his significant financial transformation.

The actor’s fortunes began to change dramatically once he joined the BBC soap, bringing him fame, a steady income, and a new perspective on his life. In the years that followed, Dyer’s career reached new heights, earning him roles in films and television series, including The Wall and Jilly Cooper’s Rivals. Reports also indicate that he earned a whopping £100,000 for his work on The Wall, a testament to his financial success.

Dyer’s company, Arty Bucco, filed its latest accounts at Companies House, revealing a staggering £1.4 million in earnings for the last financial year—a £712,221 increase from the previous year. This massive growth underscores just how far he’s come since his “skint” days.

With his newfound wealth, Dyer’s lifestyle has drastically shifted. The actor revealed that his children now enjoy a luxury lifestyle, including being chauffeured to their private school in a Bentley—a far cry from the struggles he faced just a decade ago.

Despite his success, Dyer admitted that things could have turned out very differently. Reflecting on his earlier career, he joked, “If EastEnders hadn’t come along, I might have been loading skips or still doing nightclub appearances.” He recalled a particularly low point in his career when he starred in the 2012 film Run For Your Wife, which earned just £602 on its opening weekend. “I was on my a**e,” he said. “I’d made too many bad films. It chips away at your soul.”

But Dyer’s fortunes took a dramatic turn after joining EastEnders. His portrayal of Mick Carter became a fan favorite, and as his career flourished, so did his bank account. Today, Dyer enjoys the fruits of his hard work and perseverance.

The actor’s journey has been filled with highs and lows, but he’s thankful for the lessons learned along the way. “I didn’t have an audition for EastEnders. They just called me up and asked me to take over the Queen Vic. It was a turning point. I could have easily been in a very different situation.”

Since leaving EastEnders in 2023, Dyer has embraced a softer side, taking on roles in new projects like The Assembly on ITV, which features him in a raw, emotional appearance. He has also become a regular fixture in British entertainment, hosting TV shows and acting in various high-profile films and series.

Now, Dyer’s children live a life of luxury, something he never imagined during his darkest days. In an interview for The Assembly, he revealed that his children are driven to their private school in a Bentley. “They’ve never been on a bus,” he said, reflecting on how far his family has come. The actor’s success has afforded him the opportunity to provide for his family in ways he could never have imagined when he was struggling to make ends meet.

Despite his financial success, Dyer remains grounded and aware of how quickly things could change. He often reflects on his humble beginnings and the twists of fate that led him to where he is today. “If I didn’t get EastEnders, who knows where I’d be? But I’m grateful for every moment,” Dyer said.

Dyer’s transformation from financial struggles to fame and fortune serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. From being “so skint” that he couldn’t afford a drink to now being a household name with millions in the bank, Danny Dyer’s story is nothing short of remarkable.