West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen made a surprise cameo in Eastenders with the BBC soap beginning it’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

The Hammers forward made a special appearance in Wednesday’s episode of the soap, delivering a pre recorded video message to long time character Billy Mitchell and his fiancee Honey. In the clip, he wished the couple well ahead of their upcoming on screen wedding. Billy is played by actor Perry Fenwick who is a lifelong West Ham fan.

Bowen’s cameo made TV history as the 28 year old became the first current Premier League player to make a guest appearance in Eastenders. Albert Square and West Ham United have always been closely linked. Over the years plenty of on screen characters have supported the Hammers, along with actors from the show who are Hammers fans in real life.

Eastenders is a programme closely linked to the West Ham captain. Bowen’s future father in law Danny Dyer, played Mick Carter in the soap for nearly a decade, while his fiancee Dani Dyer also appeared in an episode of the show back in 2021.

Regarding matters on the pitch, it is fantastic that the Hammers captain is back to full fitness. His first game back after his absence through injury saw him score a well taken goal away at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. The England internationals importance to this West Ham side cannot be overstated.

Graham Potter’s side currently sit 16th in the Premier League. After a largely challenging campaign, the Hammers will want to end the season on a positive note. The Hammers skipper will no doubt play a massive part between now and the end of the season in helping the Hammers pick up results as they try and climb a higher up the Premier League table and end the season in a stronger position.