British actor Danny Dyer has described his win for Best Actor at the Broadcasting Press Guild (BPG) Awards 2025 as a “revelation,” admitting he was surprised to be recognised for his performance in the Disney+ drama Rivals.
The 47-year-old received the prestigious award on Thursday at a ceremony in London, winning for his portrayal of Freddie Jones in the television adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel. The drama, set in the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986, has captivated audiences and introduced Dyer to a new generation of viewers.
Dyer’s reaction: ‘A surprise and a revelation’
Reflecting on his unexpected win, Dyer shared his thoughts with the PA news agency, expressing both pride and disbelief.
“Well, for me personally as an actor, it’s a surprise.
“I watched it as a viewer as well, because as much as Fred is in it, and he’s an important part of it, there was a lot when he’s not.
“So when I watched the whole series, I was so proud, choked up, to be part of something so brilliant and surrounded by such incredible actors.”
Dyer, who is best known for playing Mick Carter in EastEnders between 2013 and 2022, admitted that being nominated as a “good actor” was an unexpected but welcome recognition.
“Honestly, I was taken away by it, so to be nominated, as a good actor in it, is a revelation to me. I’ve been around a long time.”
Praise from producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins
The show’s producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who previously worked with Dyer on EastEnders, was quick to praise the actor’s standout performance in Rivals.
“He’s incredible, and what’s been brilliant is bringing Dan into a whole new audience.
“We all knew how wonderful he is, but it’s been really special. And Rivals, I’ve been trying to put Rivals on the television for years, and to create a show that people are re-watching and re-watching.
“I spoke to someone the other day and she’d rewatched it 14 times.”
Social media frenzy and demand for season two
Dyer acknowledged the overwhelming fan response to Rivals, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, where the show has gained a strong following among young audiences.
“Well, TikTok has gone crazy for it, really going into it on a very deep level.
“I’m not on TikTok, I’m pushing 50, but my daughter is. She shows me a lot of stuff, and this has really tapped into a lot of young Americans, women, that are so dying for season two.”
Dyer’s thoughts on adolescence and the incel culture debate
Beyond Rivals, Dyer also commented on the impact of the recent Netflix series Adolescence, which explores incel (involuntary celibate) culture and its links to online misogyny and social media-fuelled bullying.
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“I think this is something we need to tap into, and I think this has maybe done it.
“We need to find out what’s going on with our young boys, and weirdly, television is the platform, because it ain’t going to be politicians, let’s have it right.”
Other winners at the BPG awards 2025
The BPG Awards, which have been running for more than 50 years, celebrate excellence in British broadcasting. Alongside Dyer’s Best Actor win, several other major awards were handed out:
- Best Actress: Jessica Gunning for her performance in Baby Reindeer.
- Best Writer: Gwyneth Hughes for Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, a dramatization of the Horizon IT scandal.
- Best Drama or Miniseries: Wallace And Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
- Best Comedy: Gavin & Stacey: The Finale.
Dyer’s triumph marks a significant moment in his acting career, proving his ability to transition from soap star to critically acclaimed drama actor. With the overwhelming success of Rivals, fans are now eagerly awaiting news of a second season, hoping to see more of Dyer’s captivating performance as Freddie Jones.
