Shaun Williamson – a national treasure in the UK for his absolutely iconic role of Barry in Eastenders – has returned to screens this Christmas, in the latest episode of Pundits.
Williamson plays the ghost of Christmas present (and future), as he haunts Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier.
After betraying the gang, Matt Le Tissier gets a visit from a festive spirit…#Pundits
(18+ BeGambleAware) pic.twitter.com/cNYtH23a53
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 23, 2020
That’s because turncoat Tiss has abandoned ex-Liverpool man Phil Thompson and Arsenal great Charlie Nicholas to go solo – despite the trio agreeing to stick together.
In the premonitions that Barry shows Le Tiss, Charlie is shown doing terrible stand-up comedy and, even worse, Thommo is appearing in another Paddy Power advert.
He also mocks Tiss’ loyalty to Southampton and his lack of England appearances: “If you weren’t so lazy, you could’ve won a few more England caps – you and Gazza in midfield. Just imagine it – England could’ve won Euro 96!”
Former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley is also involved with more Curbs’ Cans (because what else would he be doing?) but it’s Shaun who steals the show with his star turn.
It’s the second episode in a three-part Christmas series, with the finale airing on Boxing Day. All episodes – as well as the first series – are available on Paddy Power’s YouTube channel.
Getting a household name in to appear in Pundits, we wondered if Barry would be a bit of a diva – but he was the opposite, arriving early, and nailing his lines.
He did have one request, though – that I stop calling him ‘Barry’, but that’s easier said than done when you’ve created one of the great characters of TV history.
WATCH: The next episode of Pundits is available to view here.
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