A new interview series called The Assembly launched last week on ITV, based on the French show Les Rencontres du Papotin which aired in 2022. The show features celebrities being questioned by autistic, neurodivergent, and/or learning disabled interviewers, with no topic or questions off limits. The British season has four episodes and features Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Jade Thirwall, and Gary Lineker.
In the premiere episode, Danny Dyer, age 47, faced personal questions in what he called ‘the most open and honest interview that he’s ever given’. He was asked about his wife throwing him out, directing some colourful language at former Prime Minister David Cameron, his dad having a secret family, and his daughter Dani going on Love Island. The second episode featured David Tennant, age 54, who held back tears as he was asked about his history supporting the transgender community.
Since tuning in, many people have praised the truly original show, with each episode also ending with a musical performance. ‘What a special programme The Assembly is. First episode tonight was with Danny Dyer. Check it out. I’m not crying,’ Eimear posted on X. ‘I’ve been laughing and crying all through The Assembly,’ Kate shared. ‘Just finished watching The Assembly. Unbelievable television. Heartwarming, and honest from beautiful people. Danny Dyer and David Tennant are superb, the singing is superb, loved every minute,’ Jeff wrote. ‘This show better be renewed and for longer episodes and a longer run. It’s so heartwarming and television at its best,’ Danielle added.
Others called it ‘refreshing, genuine and beautiful’. Speaking to the Radio Times recently, the producers of The Assembly revealed it moved from the BBC to ITV because the BBC could not afford to commission a full season. The show first began as a pilot on BBC One last April to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, featuring Welsh actor Michael Sheen. ‘The BBC were very proud of the show, and it’s been nominated for awards…but they simply weren’t in a position to afford to commission it,’ executive producer Michelle Singer said.
In a related entertainment highlight, Danny Dyer's youngest daughter, Sunnie, celebrated her 18th birthday with a lavish 80s-themed party at Mooros Chigwell over the weekend alongside her famous family. The nepo baby looked the spitting image of her older sister Dani, 28, who slipped into a retro-inspired eighties look. Danny, renowned for his roles in EastEnders, The Business, and most recently Marching Powder, looked the part with his moustache and oversized suit.
The 18-year-old, who was born in 2007, channeled Kelly LeBrock's character Lisa in Weird Science, sporting her iconic pink and black eighties ensemble. She captioned her post: ‘80s Partayyy Thank you everyone who camelove you all smm ur the best’.
The rising star, who boasts 104,000 followers on Instagram and is under Grail Talent management, has been attending high-profile events in recent months as she looks set to follow in her famous sibling's footsteps. Danny threw his youngest a huge 80s-themed bash, featuring a three-tier ruffled pink cake with makeup and a vape decorated on top.
To celebrate the release of Marching Powder, Sunnie joined Dani and her footballer fiancé Jarrod Bowen at the film premiere in March. That same month, Sunnie slipped into a gorgeous strapless black gown as she posed arm in arm with her father and sister at The 2025 BRIT Awards. She also appeared at the special gala screening party for Danny's Rivals.
As well as her many red carpet appearances recently, Sunnie has dipped her toes into the world of influencing. The rising star often shares videos trying on Dress2Party's prom dresses on her Instagram. Last year, Sunnie was being eyed up by PrettyLittleThing as she hopes to utilise her social media following and pursue partnership deals.
A source told MailOnline: 'Sunnie is currently considering her options but she's definitely keen to work with PrettyLittleThing. She loves their clothes and it seems like a perfect fit, especially following the success of Princess Andre's collaborative work with the brand, and they're the same age. PLT are hoping to close a deal very soon and hope Sunnie can become one of their regular contributors. Obviously, her famous links, and sister Dani's fanbase, means she falls precisely within their target market.'
Dani won Love Island in 2018 with ex-boyfriend Jack Fincham, but their romance was short-lived. After starring on the ITV2 series, Dani secured lucrative deals with the likes of In The Style, which helped her to monetise on her new fanbase. She has been dating footballer Jarrod since 2021, to the delight of her father Danny, who's a diehard West Ham fan.
On the topic of family dynamics, Danny recently admitted his kids have never been on a bus and instead get driven ‘door to door in a Bentley’. He gets a grilling about claims he sent his son to private school in ITV’s new show The Assembly, ahead of him making more money for the family in a new foul-mouthed ad. In the episode being released this Saturday, Dyer is asked by one of the interviewers: ‘How working class are you to send your son to a private school?’. Dyer responds: ‘I am a working-class kid and I am very proud of my roots. We moved to a better place where we could bring the children up. I have put my children in a private school, but now they’re not street wise. I don’t regret it but there’s a part of me that I wish I could instil a little bit of knowing what it’s like to struggle into them. But like anyone, if you have kids you want to give them everything you can and it can backfire on you slightly, because now, they get driven around in a Bentley. I’ve got a Bentley. I walked everywhere as a kid or got a bus. My kids have never been on a bus, they don’t have to. Because they get driven door to door in a Bentley.'
The Assembly is streaming on ITVX, and with its unique format and emotional depth, it has captured the attention of viewers, while Sunnie's entrance into the world of entertainment promises to keep the Dyer family in the spotlight.
