When Hammers man was Eastenders star
Troy Pratt, the man who was a Speedway stunt double in Eastenders, will be at Friday’s emotional farewell to Arena Essex Raceway.
Pratt rode as Ricky Butcher in the cult BBC soap back in the 90s and was a firm favourite with Hammers fans.
Now he’ll be at the Raceway for one last time to see Lakeside Hammers face Glasgow in a vital Championship clash on Friday (8pm) before they switch to Rye House for home meetings the next night (7pm).
Said Pratt: “You could say I owe my career to Arena Essex because that’s where I started and spent much of my career.
“I had some wonderful times there and I’m sad to see the venue close, but I wish Lakeside well at Rye House and hope the fans support it.
“The Eastenders thing was amazing, really. I was riding in a soap which pulled in 15 million viewers. Imagine what that would mean to speedway now!”
A full in-depth interview with Pratt about his life at Arena and the full story behind his appearance in Eastenders will be available in the commemorative ‘Farewell to the Raceway’ brochure which doubles-up as Friday’s programme. This will be available on entry to the stadium for £5.
Image: Troy in action Credit TGS Photo