Rags to Richie (2 X SWC)

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The son of a road sweeper, Shane Ritchie has come a long way from London's Harlesden to being voted Britain's Sexiest Soap Star in the 2003 Soap Awards. But it's not been an easy ride, as he's had to fight his way to the top not once, but twice in a career with more twists and turns than a soap plot line. Starting as a Pontins Bluecoat, he made his name in Grease. His TV career quickly made him the face of Saturday night entertainment. In this fascinatingly honest read, he writes openly about his womanising, break-up of his marriage to singer Coleen Nolan, his heavy drinking and money troubles and how he came close to breakdown when he realised he had lost everything important to him. He takes us through to the day he received the call that turned his life around - the offer of the part of Alfie in EastEnders - and tells how a new love helped him pick himself up from rock bottom. After 25 years in showbusiness, Shane emerges as a gifted actor and unique star.