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The World According to Danny Dyer: Life Lessons from the East End
This book is a window into the world of Danny Dyer - and he's seen more of the world than most so he's got one or two things to say about it.Tackling such vital questions as 'Where have all the old school boozers gone?' 'Are there such things as ghosts?' and 'Am I middle class?' Danny shares his unique take on life with characteristic honesty and humour and reveals why it is · What goes around comes around - he learnt the hard way· You can take the boy out of the East End but you can't take the East End out of the boy· Harold Pinter is a diamond geezer · He told the media training expert to do one· Science can prove that West Ham are the best football club in the world· Him and Joanne are like a team - he's Paul Gascoigne, she's David Batty· The human race isn't evolved enough for TwitterSo, hold on to your titfer, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
- GenresNonfictionBiography
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2015
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165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 20, 2015
Many thanks to Quercus Books as I won a copy of this book in a give away over on their Facebook page.
I was never really aware of Danny Dyer until he started in East Enders even though I had seen him in other films. I think his personality really shines through in East Enders and I'm a big fan of his character in it.
The World According to Danny Dyer is exactly that. There is a bit of Danny's background in there as well as his family and working life but it is mainly Danny's thoughts on subjects such as football, drugs, drink, politics etc.
I can't say I agree with some of his opinions but there's a lot of others that I certainly do and I love how he says it all in lay mens terms as I am not into football and politics so he makes it very easy to understand.
The World According to Danny Dyer is quite a humorous read though I did find the part about his nan who suffers with dementia quite sad. Having seen my gran go through the same illness it is very sad and upsetting to see someone you love become a shadow of their former selves and not be able to remember who you are.
This book is certainly a great gift for someone or to buy for yourself if you are a self confessed Danny Dyer fan and there is a great bit at the back of the book that is well worth a read so make sure you keep turning the pages so you don't miss it.
I was never really aware of Danny Dyer until he started in East Enders even though I had seen him in other films. I think his personality really shines through in East Enders and I'm a big fan of his character in it.
The World According to Danny Dyer is exactly that. There is a bit of Danny's background in there as well as his family and working life but it is mainly Danny's thoughts on subjects such as football, drugs, drink, politics etc.
I can't say I agree with some of his opinions but there's a lot of others that I certainly do and I love how he says it all in lay mens terms as I am not into football and politics so he makes it very easy to understand.
The World According to Danny Dyer is quite a humorous read though I did find the part about his nan who suffers with dementia quite sad. Having seen my gran go through the same illness it is very sad and upsetting to see someone you love become a shadow of their former selves and not be able to remember who you are.
This book is certainly a great gift for someone or to buy for yourself if you are a self confessed Danny Dyer fan and there is a great bit at the back of the book that is well worth a read so make sure you keep turning the pages so you don't miss it.
February 29, 2016
I was bought this as a jokey Christmas present and, probably like a lot of people, expected it to be full of daft nonsense that would have me chuckling from start to finish.
However, I'll admit I was surprised to find a lot of it was serious and had a point to it. The reminiscing to his earlier life shows Dyer to be a real family man and a nice guy. He also shows a lot of insight when discussing modern life.
He doesn't understand a lot of things about the world today, but that's not because he's intellectually challenged, it's that much of how the world works just plain doesn't make sense, when you sit down and think about it. When he talks about Eton-educated politicians being out of touch with the average Briton, he's right on the money. His rant about football clubs selling out to foreign buyers and hiking up ticket prices out of reach of those who've supported the team for generations, is absolutely right. Danny even makes a compelling case for legalising hard drugs, positing that strict regulations and taxes charged (as per cigarettes and alcohol) would improve the economy while making them safer for those who choose to use.
Each chapter follows a loose theme and contains Dyer's various musings on the matter. It's all put across in cockney Danny Dyer style of course. Everyone's a melt or a slice, but don't worry – there's a handy glossary of slang in the back.
I can't imagine the book will date well as there are a lot of references to things that are happening right now. I do think it's worth a read at the moment though. If you aren't a fan of Danny Dyer this may well make you see a different side to him.
However, I'll admit I was surprised to find a lot of it was serious and had a point to it. The reminiscing to his earlier life shows Dyer to be a real family man and a nice guy. He also shows a lot of insight when discussing modern life.
He doesn't understand a lot of things about the world today, but that's not because he's intellectually challenged, it's that much of how the world works just plain doesn't make sense, when you sit down and think about it. When he talks about Eton-educated politicians being out of touch with the average Briton, he's right on the money. His rant about football clubs selling out to foreign buyers and hiking up ticket prices out of reach of those who've supported the team for generations, is absolutely right. Danny even makes a compelling case for legalising hard drugs, positing that strict regulations and taxes charged (as per cigarettes and alcohol) would improve the economy while making them safer for those who choose to use.
Each chapter follows a loose theme and contains Dyer's various musings on the matter. It's all put across in cockney Danny Dyer style of course. Everyone's a melt or a slice, but don't worry – there's a handy glossary of slang in the back.
I can't imagine the book will date well as there are a lot of references to things that are happening right now. I do think it's worth a read at the moment though. If you aren't a fan of Danny Dyer this may well make you see a different side to him.
January 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this. It's funny, intelligent and interesting. Danny talks about many topics from his personal life to his thought on aliens to political issues of that time. It's a great insight to him as a person, his background and more of his personality.
Only parts I wasn't that fond of was, politics ( I don't understand it ) and football talk ( not interested in football) Those, kind of went over my head.
I loved the end of the book where he has a cockney glossary that's hilarious and the posh English Vs cockney dialect was funny too.
Only parts I wasn't that fond of was, politics ( I don't understand it ) and football talk ( not interested in football) Those, kind of went over my head.
I loved the end of the book where he has a cockney glossary that's hilarious and the posh English Vs cockney dialect was funny too.
June 29, 2017
One word....Kushti !!
just Love Danny Dyer. That is it.
just Love Danny Dyer. That is it.
December 17, 2015
I don't know why but I thought this was going to be autobiographical and it is to a certain point. But a lot of it is him just giving his thoughts and opinions on anything and everything. Didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2016
Exceptionally funny and insightful. The world of Danny Dyer on relatively current issues. Both funny, educational and in some place damn right daft. Not all the blatant swearing as one would imagine, but not without some either. He's got his 'Nut' on this guy!! Recommended.
June 20, 2016
Biggest load of drivel I've ever read
July 16, 2016
I am a big fan of Danny Dyer. I enjoyed reading this ... some of his views surprised me. He comes across as a very down to earth, open minded, fella.
May 28, 2016
such a funny man
June 2, 2020
Danny Dyer, in a book that proves there is no takin’ the East End out of an EastEnder, is brilliant, insightful, and hilariously funny.
The World According to Danny Dyer: Life Lessons from the East End, written by outspoken EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, is a must read. The actor, even if there were a month of Sundays, wouldn’t know how to be ambiguous. It’s simply not in his nature to shoot hot air where the sun doesn’t shine.
Dyer, not known for sugarcoating his views on any subject, has presents us with his thoughts on almost every aspect of life imaginable. The actor references how he “suffered from homophobia, despite not being gay.” Consequently, because of the abuse Dyer suffered, he stopped telling people about his career ambitions.
The World According to Danny Dyer is perfectly titled because what you get is exactly that. Dyer references his background, family, and work life. Anyone thinking of Dyer’s book as a nonsense read will be pleasantly surprised these pages have considerable character. The power of his words, especially those pertaining to his nan, are carefully measured.
Whilst there are opinions within the book which people might disagree with, with more than a modicum of brevity and well humoured thought, it’s exceptionally well-written because this one’s from the heart. his views on football clubs selling out to foreign buyers aren’t wrong. There is even a compelling case, food for educated thought, for legalising hard drugs.
If you’re wondering what the Canning Town born actor thinks on any given subject: Art, the Cockney accent, Death, Housework, or even Quantum Mechanics, Dyer has shared his thoughts most succinctly. The actor addresses numerous questions a lot of Britons ask themselves daily:
“Am I middle class?”
“Are there such things as ghosts?”
“Where have all the old school boozers gone?”
Whilst I’m not entirely sure “Science can prove that West Ham are the best football club in the world,” there is no doubt British Nobel Prize winner “Harold Pinter is a diamond geezer.” Pinter’s work, an accomplished playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor, speaks for itself.
Dyer, with a thespian’s understanding of Pinter’s work, appeared in staged productions of Celebration (2000), No Man’s Land (2001–2002 revival) and The Homecoming (2008 Almeida Theatre revival). With first hand experience of being directed by Pinter himself, it’s not difficult seeing why it is the East End actor holds the playwright in such a high regard.
Besides treading the boards, something many British actors do before moving to other spheres of entertainment, Dyer developed a significant television and film career over the past few decades. The actor, best known for playing Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, made his television debut as Martin Fletcher in the 1993 miniseries Prime Suspect 3.
Human Traffic 2: Revolution, a sequel to the 1999 film Human Traffic, is currently in pre-production. Dyer is rumoured to be reprising his role as Moff for the second instalment.
The World According to Danny Dyer is a world I can live with because the world as it is does me nut in!
The World According to Danny Dyer: Life Lessons from the East End, written by outspoken EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, is a must read. The actor, even if there were a month of Sundays, wouldn’t know how to be ambiguous. It’s simply not in his nature to shoot hot air where the sun doesn’t shine.
Dyer, not known for sugarcoating his views on any subject, has presents us with his thoughts on almost every aspect of life imaginable. The actor references how he “suffered from homophobia, despite not being gay.” Consequently, because of the abuse Dyer suffered, he stopped telling people about his career ambitions.
The World According to Danny Dyer is perfectly titled because what you get is exactly that. Dyer references his background, family, and work life. Anyone thinking of Dyer’s book as a nonsense read will be pleasantly surprised these pages have considerable character. The power of his words, especially those pertaining to his nan, are carefully measured.
Whilst there are opinions within the book which people might disagree with, with more than a modicum of brevity and well humoured thought, it’s exceptionally well-written because this one’s from the heart. his views on football clubs selling out to foreign buyers aren’t wrong. There is even a compelling case, food for educated thought, for legalising hard drugs.
If you’re wondering what the Canning Town born actor thinks on any given subject: Art, the Cockney accent, Death, Housework, or even Quantum Mechanics, Dyer has shared his thoughts most succinctly. The actor addresses numerous questions a lot of Britons ask themselves daily:
“Am I middle class?”
“Are there such things as ghosts?”
“Where have all the old school boozers gone?”
Whilst I’m not entirely sure “Science can prove that West Ham are the best football club in the world,” there is no doubt British Nobel Prize winner “Harold Pinter is a diamond geezer.” Pinter’s work, an accomplished playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor, speaks for itself.
Dyer, with a thespian’s understanding of Pinter’s work, appeared in staged productions of Celebration (2000), No Man’s Land (2001–2002 revival) and The Homecoming (2008 Almeida Theatre revival). With first hand experience of being directed by Pinter himself, it’s not difficult seeing why it is the East End actor holds the playwright in such a high regard.
Besides treading the boards, something many British actors do before moving to other spheres of entertainment, Dyer developed a significant television and film career over the past few decades. The actor, best known for playing Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, made his television debut as Martin Fletcher in the 1993 miniseries Prime Suspect 3.
Human Traffic 2: Revolution, a sequel to the 1999 film Human Traffic, is currently in pre-production. Dyer is rumoured to be reprising his role as Moff for the second instalment.
The World According to Danny Dyer is a world I can live with because the world as it is does me nut in!
January 11, 2023
Like quite a few other reviewers, I didn't expect much from this but was pleasantly surprised. My sister got it for an English class she's teaching about working class/middle class speech and ended up recommending it to me. It's a very easy read and I suspect that's part of what I enjoyed about it - it's the sort of book you can read in bed when you're a bit tired without worrying that you're missing important plot points or anything. It's like listening to a mate on a bit of a rant.
I've always felt Danny Dyer is an underrated actor and it's always annoyed me how Oxbridge TV presenters and comedians treat him as such a joke, when really the big joke is that he's working class and not a member of their exclusive little club. When I've seen him interviewed he's always seemed like a really decent bloke and that really comes through in this book. I also really respect his determination to be true to himself and the way he encourages others to do the same. He doesn't play up to his 'hard man' reputation, instead making it clear that he's not like that at all and that others shouldn't aspire to be like that either.
The format throughout is basically Danny musing on one topic per chapter, sometimes coming to a conclusion, sometimes not. Not every chapter is a winner but most of them are pretty decent if you like his style, and he raises good points a lot more often than many people might expect. Like a lot of working class people, he doesn't think of himself as being very political but then comes out with such brilliant examples of the ways in which politics could be improved that you wonder how he can be so on the money.
As I said, not every chapter is a winner (I'm not into football so those bits weren't my favourites, but I did like it when he begged Jeremy Kyle to stop supporting West Ham) but there were more than enough good ones to keep me entertained. To anyone thinking of picking this book up, I'd say if you don't enjoy the first chapter, there's nothing here for you. If you do, then you'll probably find the book pretty decent overall.
I've always felt Danny Dyer is an underrated actor and it's always annoyed me how Oxbridge TV presenters and comedians treat him as such a joke, when really the big joke is that he's working class and not a member of their exclusive little club. When I've seen him interviewed he's always seemed like a really decent bloke and that really comes through in this book. I also really respect his determination to be true to himself and the way he encourages others to do the same. He doesn't play up to his 'hard man' reputation, instead making it clear that he's not like that at all and that others shouldn't aspire to be like that either.
The format throughout is basically Danny musing on one topic per chapter, sometimes coming to a conclusion, sometimes not. Not every chapter is a winner but most of them are pretty decent if you like his style, and he raises good points a lot more often than many people might expect. Like a lot of working class people, he doesn't think of himself as being very political but then comes out with such brilliant examples of the ways in which politics could be improved that you wonder how he can be so on the money.
As I said, not every chapter is a winner (I'm not into football so those bits weren't my favourites, but I did like it when he begged Jeremy Kyle to stop supporting West Ham) but there were more than enough good ones to keep me entertained. To anyone thinking of picking this book up, I'd say if you don't enjoy the first chapter, there's nothing here for you. If you do, then you'll probably find the book pretty decent overall.
January 4, 2021
The World According to Danny Dyer Life Lessons from the East End.
Although this is technically an autobiography it's more a look on life from the perspective of Danny Dyer and life in the East End than details of his career and personal life. There are some elements of his life and career in the book but its more about his outlook on certain topics such as football, politics, drugs and even Aliens.
Most people by now probably know Danny as Mick on EastEnders, I personally picked this book up because I enjoyed the horror movies Doghouse and Severance which he starred in.
A lot of people will probably write Mr Dyer off as an unintelligent football hooligan but he actual has a really sensible approach (maybe even philosophy) about some of the heavier aspects of life. I wouldn't normally be able to tolerate reading about politics and football etc but I found myself laughing and nodding along saying to myself yeah that makes sense.
His Philosophy is pretty much live and let live and to try to calmly enjoy what you have in life rather than trying to chase what everyone else has.
The way he described his relationship with his wife both warmed my heart and made me feel awkward. Mostly because recently it has come to light how much he has cheated on his poor Mrs over the years so now I'm not sure if what he is saying is sincere or he is laying it on because he knows he has been up to no good. He doth protest too much.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, especially the writing style, i thought the slang gave it a lot of character and felt as though Danny was telling me his thoughts in his own voice. He is a bit of a Geezer and i can't help but like him.
I recommend reading this if you are a fan of Danny Dyer and fancy something a bit different in terms of autobiography.
4/5 ⚽⚽⚽⚽
Although this is technically an autobiography it's more a look on life from the perspective of Danny Dyer and life in the East End than details of his career and personal life. There are some elements of his life and career in the book but its more about his outlook on certain topics such as football, politics, drugs and even Aliens.
Most people by now probably know Danny as Mick on EastEnders, I personally picked this book up because I enjoyed the horror movies Doghouse and Severance which he starred in.
A lot of people will probably write Mr Dyer off as an unintelligent football hooligan but he actual has a really sensible approach (maybe even philosophy) about some of the heavier aspects of life. I wouldn't normally be able to tolerate reading about politics and football etc but I found myself laughing and nodding along saying to myself yeah that makes sense.
His Philosophy is pretty much live and let live and to try to calmly enjoy what you have in life rather than trying to chase what everyone else has.
The way he described his relationship with his wife both warmed my heart and made me feel awkward. Mostly because recently it has come to light how much he has cheated on his poor Mrs over the years so now I'm not sure if what he is saying is sincere or he is laying it on because he knows he has been up to no good. He doth protest too much.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, especially the writing style, i thought the slang gave it a lot of character and felt as though Danny was telling me his thoughts in his own voice. He is a bit of a Geezer and i can't help but like him.
I recommend reading this if you are a fan of Danny Dyer and fancy something a bit different in terms of autobiography.
4/5 ⚽⚽⚽⚽
February 14, 2022
This was a fun read! I have always liked Danny Dyer and anybody that knows anything about Danny knows that he is a straight up "cockney geezer"! This shows throughout the book. It's not a life story, more his views of the East End, where he grew up and was raised. There are chapters about everything you could possibly think of, football, politics, women, "chavs", everything he is providing his opinion on! It's hilarious in many places, just even with the way it is written in that it's written exactly how he speaks. "Get your nut round this then..." is a typical phrase, referring to females as treacles, I loved it, but it wouldn't suit some people wanting to read a typical biography because this is not.
I really enjoyed this, I love how open and honest he is, no airs and graces. He is very open about his family life and his love for his wife Jo, how he describes he couldn't cope without her, he does briefly speak about some of the jobs he has done but it's not a life story in depicting what he has done in his career, and I didn't expect it to be either.
Very enjoyable read.
I really enjoyed this, I love how open and honest he is, no airs and graces. He is very open about his family life and his love for his wife Jo, how he describes he couldn't cope without her, he does briefly speak about some of the jobs he has done but it's not a life story in depicting what he has done in his career, and I didn't expect it to be either.
Very enjoyable read.
September 4, 2017
What a fantastic read! This book had me in stitches more than once!
Not for the faint hearted. Danny Dyer is not afraid to say what he thinks and that's what makes this so great. Many relatable topics for working class people and his views on politics are just perfect!
I loved him before I read this and I love him even more after! I learned a lot of Cocknet rhyming slang too!
It's not your typical boring woe is me autobiography, it's an insight into the way he was brought up and his opinions on all sort of random stuff. So funny.
Not for the faint hearted. Danny Dyer is not afraid to say what he thinks and that's what makes this so great. Many relatable topics for working class people and his views on politics are just perfect!
I loved him before I read this and I love him even more after! I learned a lot of Cocknet rhyming slang too!
It's not your typical boring woe is me autobiography, it's an insight into the way he was brought up and his opinions on all sort of random stuff. So funny.
October 31, 2021
Urgghhhhh! I wanted to read this as I thought it would be a fun read.......oh was I wrong! The best way I can describe this book is that it's similar to reading through the Facebook posts that the strange fella from your local pub shares, plenty of Conspiracy Theories and Football waffle! And the constant name dropping of Harold Pinter seemed to be Danny's vein attempt to come across as a more seasoned actor than he really is. Really struggled to get through this, rather annoyed that I even bothered!
December 8, 2017
love a bit of old Cockney. and Danny has some valid points that make total sense- but in a humorous way. I know of the areas he is talking about in the book- Upton park! so was also a bit nostalgic since the move to Wembley stadium. love Danny dyer
January 29, 2019
I love Danny Dyer his books feel like he is talking directly to you as a mate. Also being a cockney Eastender myself I love some of his slang .... Haddock (and Bloater) - motor. He starts off speaking about a subject and then wanders to where it takes him. Love it.
July 28, 2025
Not really my cup of tea… a lot of swear words which I expected but there was just no need
I thought it was more a biography but when I read it it was his take on current well back in the day affairs
Giving it 4 star is a push but it had some good bits but swearing really put me off
I thought it was more a biography but when I read it it was his take on current well back in the day affairs
Giving it 4 star is a push but it had some good bits but swearing really put me off
February 11, 2018
Danny Dyer at his finest - fascinating insights into his life and opinions, wrapped in Cockney charm.
June 29, 2018
My girlfriend gott me this as a joke gift. Dyer came out of it a lot better than I thought he would!
January 13, 2019
Great book. He is super funny but sometimes the language barrier was annoying at best
September 22, 2020
Readable and enjoyable, even if he does swear a bit much. Great on family, Pinter and the East End's charms (and lack thereof). Keep an open mind!
October 3, 2020
Very relatable, classic East End but I learnt a lot about him and East End life!
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March 26, 2021Good
August 10, 2023
Brilliant read.. I just love Danny Dyer
December 9, 2024
I just love Danny dyer. Sure this is a bit dated but he’s still so funny and authentically him there’s no bones about it. You’ll have a laugh, not be inspired but still enjoyable.
January 17, 2017
I am a bit of a fan of Danny dyer and got this thinking it was his autobiography! It isn't but it does give you some stories and anecdotes from his life throughout. My grandad was from the same area in the east end so it was nice to read stories and accounts from there. He comes across as open minded and down to earth, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this! Well worth a read, as it's straight forward and easy going so perfect for a holiday/ plane book!
March 2, 2017
Brilliant, insightful and funny. Everything one can expect from a true cockney eastender
August 8, 2016
Look, I really wouldn't have picked this up if I wasn't an Eastenders fan and (begrudgingly) a big fan of the Mick Carter character in the show. I was left in town and hadn't brought a book out and had some time to kill before meeting a friend. The library and the charity shops (where I tend to shop for books these days) were closed so I went into WHSmiths. Nothing really took my fancy and then I spotted this. I probably wouldn't have bought it if it was a straight up biography, I probably wouldn't have bought it but I was intrigued by the cover (not the one pictured), it has subjects like 'women', 'politics' and 'proper boozers' all over it which I thought was fun. And it is. Turns out he as already done one of those celeb biog things (5 years ago) so this was new territory and probably to capitalize of the uniqueness of this character in the popular BBC soap.
It really is very good and very funny and holds nothing back. Some of his opinions are what you would expect but some of them, especially about the world in general (and politics) are quite refreshing. I really enjoyed. Pains me to say it but I really did.. Geezer..
It really is very good and very funny and holds nothing back. Some of his opinions are what you would expect but some of them, especially about the world in general (and politics) are quite refreshing. I really enjoyed. Pains me to say it but I really did.. Geezer..
February 4, 2017
Now a household name playing Mick Carter on Eastenders, life hasn't always been a bed of roses for Danny Dyer. Born in Custom House, in London, Life Lessons from the East End gives us an insightful look into what it was like growing up in an area where becoming an actor was not exactly top of everyone's career choice list.
More a collection of stories and anecdotes than an autobiography, it is hard to read this book without hearing the voice of the man himself due to phraseology being used. For those not able to translate the Cockney rhyming slang throughout the book, a glossary of terms is provided at the back! Danny is very forthright with his opinions and while some of them may not be to everyone's liking, he certainly makes a lot of sense on a great many issues.
I found this a very funny read with quite a few genuine 'laugh out loud' moments. Danny comes across as a very normal, down-to-earth man and while the liberal use of profanities may offend some, if you are reading this book you must surely know what language to expect!
An enjoyable read.
More a collection of stories and anecdotes than an autobiography, it is hard to read this book without hearing the voice of the man himself due to phraseology being used. For those not able to translate the Cockney rhyming slang throughout the book, a glossary of terms is provided at the back! Danny is very forthright with his opinions and while some of them may not be to everyone's liking, he certainly makes a lot of sense on a great many issues.
I found this a very funny read with quite a few genuine 'laugh out loud' moments. Danny comes across as a very normal, down-to-earth man and while the liberal use of profanities may offend some, if you are reading this book you must surely know what language to expect!
An enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews