Netflix’s Scoop viewers open-mouthed as EastEnders star makes shock cameo in royal drama

VIEWERS have tuned into the new Netflix film Scoop in their droves as the movie dropped on the platform.

But they might not have been expecting to see a surprise EastEnders star who made a shock cameo.

Scoop tells the behind-the-scenes story of the infamous BBC Newsnight interview in 2019.

The film depicts the journey of esteemed BBC interview producer Sam McAlister (played by Billie Piper).

Based on her own memoir 'Scoops,' it shows the hurdles she faced in securing the scoop of the century.

It featured an all-star cast which included Gillian Anderson who plays Emily Maitlis.

Rufus Sewell completely transforms into Prince Andrew, whilst Keeley Hawes plays his top aide Amanda Thirsk.

In one scene Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson) is feeling the pressure after the interview with Prince Andrew has been scheduled.

The TV news personality goes for a run in the park to cool herself down, but her whippet runs away from her.

When her canine companion eventually returns, another pet owner was seated nearby on a park bench.

He cryptically remarks: "If you chase them, you'll never catch them. And when they're ready to come, you won't be there."

Eagle-eyed EastEnders super-fans would recognise the actor in the scene as Christopher Fairbank.

He is known among soap devotees for his role as Eddie Knight, the father of George Knight (Colin Salmon) who is the landlord of The Queen Vic.

This is not the first rodeo for the television star who has an extensive portfolio of credits which feature theatre and film alongside TV work.

He first rose to prominence for his part in the comedy-drama series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet where he played Moxey.

Movie appearances include Guardians of the Galaxy and Lady Macbeth, whilst other TV projects include Coronation Street, Doctor Who, and Casualty.