Your Route to Real News

EastEnders fans spot two soap stars in Jason Statham's new film

1243     0
The pair are Albert Square legends
The pair are Albert Square legends

THE soap stars have landed jaw-dropping roles in a brand new Hollywood movie with Jason Statham.

EastEnders viewers were left open-mouthed as they spotted two very familiar faces in the blockbuster line-up.

Jason Statham at the UK premiere of The Beekeeper qhiddzihxidedprw
Jason Statham at the UK premiere of The BeekeeperCredit: Getty
David Witts plays Mickey Garnett
David Witts plays Mickey GarnettCredit: X / THE BEEKEEPER
Don Gilet in EastEnders
Don Gilet in EastEndersCredit: BBC
Jason and David in the blockbuster film
Jason and David in the blockbuster filmCredit: X / THE BEEKEEPER

Jason Statham’s action thriller, The Beekeeper, sees two Walford favourites stepping into the spotlight - including one of the programme’s most notorious villains.

Alongside action film expert Jason and the Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, none other than Don Gilet (who played the square’s serial killer Lucas Johnson) and David Witts (who starred as Joey Branning) have taken to our screens for the global hit.

Soap fans couldn’t believe their eyes as they spotted the TV legends when watching the film in the cinema, with plenty flocking to social media to point our their surprising appearances.

R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74

One wrote: “Surprised to see Lucas Johnson played by Don Gilet as Deputy Director Prigg in The Bee Keeper. Putting on a convincing American accent.” 

Another exclaimed: “I knew that was David Witts in #thebeekeeper.” 

A third gushed: “Remember Joey Branning from Eastenders? Well he’s currently starring in the new Jason Staham movie The Beekeeper and it’s actually a pretty fun ride of a film, go check it out.” 

A fourth joked: “Lucas from Eastenders is in this new Jason Statham film. The American accent attempt is killing me.”

Don Gilet's EastEnders character, a preacher turned murderer, was killed off the programme in 2021.

It happened after he betrayed a drug dealer, by deliberately sabotaging his drug job and turning him into the police. 

Meanwhile, after a year of playing the estranged son of Derek Branning, David decided to pursue other things.

The soap star later moved to the US after being signed by a top agent.

He returned to the UK in 2022 back and landed himself a job with drama school Act4tv, which offers acting classes and online courses.

During his stint on EastEnders, David's alter-ego Joey was involved in a number of gripping storylines.

London, New York and Europe welcome New Year; plus pics from around the worldLondon, New York and Europe welcome New Year; plus pics from around the world

He started going out with Ian Beale's daughter Lucy, but soon dumped her and fell in love with his cousin Lauren Branning.

In 2016 Dave played Craig in American teen drama Recovery Road.

He also starred in Wings, An Unpleasant Surprise, The Devil's Hand and I Ship It.

The Beekeeper follows a mans campaign for vengeance after it is exposed that he is a former operative of a powerful organisation, named the Beekeepers.

Keep up to date with the latest news, gossip and scandals n our celebrity live blog

David Witts as Joey Branning
David Witts as Joey BranningCredit: BBC

Emily Hirst

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus