Jarrod Bowen makes special EastEnders cameo appearance

The England international featured in the much-loved BBC soap during Wednesday's episode (February 12) as part of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations.

This marked a TV first, as Bowen became the first current Premier League player to make a guest appearance on the show.

Bowen appeared via a video message to wish Billy Mitchell, a West Ham fan, all the best for his upcoming wedding to long-term partner Honey.

The video is shown to Billy during his stag do (Image: BBC)

The crossover between the two east London institutions is a nod to the ever-present influence of West Ham United in the lives of EastEnders characters over the past 40 years, the club said.

The show, set in the fictional Albert Square, shares its E20 postcode with the London Stadium, home of West Ham United.

Bowen's appearance on the show is also a family affair, with his future father-in-law Danny Dyer and fiancée Dani Dyer both having appeared in the programme.

Speaking about his cameo, Bowen said: "It’s great to be part of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebrations and appear on the show.

"EastEnders is loved by so many people and obviously has a strong link to the east London community, so to represent West Ham United in this very special episode is a really nice moment for everyone connected with the club."

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: "We’re thrilled that Jarrod agreed to take part in our special celebrations as we lead up to our 40th anniversary.

"EastEnders has many dedicated West Ham fans, both on and off screen, so it’s a real honour that we can now say we have had the West Ham captain and England international appear in the show."

The 40th anniversary celebrations of EastEnders will begin on Monday, February 17, with all episodes dropping simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.30pm.

A special hour-long episode will air on the show's anniversary, Wednesday, February 19, followed by a full live episode on Thursday, February 20.