SHANE Richie was bankrupt and selling his home when he was saved by landing the role of EastEnders' Alfie Moon.

Soap legend Shane, 58, recently confirmed he's heading back to Albert Square and reprising his role of loveable Alfie for the first time in three years.

And the actor previously confessed when he was first cast in the BBC One soap the offer came along at a critical time in his life.

Admitting that he auditioned three times for EastEnders and was initially rejected, Shane said: "So I kept coming back but still no no idea what was going on. 

"I’m bankrupt because of this film I’d invested in, I’ve got nothing, I’m selling the house, no work. 

“The phone goes and it’s my manager and he goes EastEnders want you."

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Speaking during his time in I'm a Celebrity, Shane added: "I started getting teary and he [the producer] told me about this character called Alfie Moon and in my first episode.

“I’d be coming in and taking over The Queen Vic, I started crying."

Shane played Alfie on and off from 2002 and was last seen in Walford in 2019.

But fans won't have to wait long before Alfie is reunited with ex-wife Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace.

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Confirming the news of his return this week, Shane said: "It's an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square.

"I'm looking forward to catching up with some old castmates and meeting some new ones.

"The new exec producer, Chris Clenshaw, has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no? I can't wait."

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