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EastEnders’ Steve McFadden announced as godfather to two very special babies

Aww, he's such a softie in real life

Steve McFadden is, of course, best known for playing Phil Mitchell in EastEnders – a man who’s not afraid to use violence and intimidation to get his way.

Throw in that deep, raspy voice, and he comes across like a character from mafia film The Godfather.

But that tough-guy image has just been turned on its head, with news reaching us that the actor has just become a godfather of a different kind.

To a pair of adorable baby penguins!

Back in January, news website Birmingham Updates tweeted a picture of Steve, 58, posing alongside animals at the city’s Sea Life Centre – much to the amusement of fans.

One responded to the photos by saying: “This has made me have a giggling fit.”

Another wrote: “This is my favourite thing on the internet today,” alongside a heart emoji.

Read more: EastEnders plans more misery for Louise and Phil Mitchell

And a third person quipped: “The award for most random tweet of the day goes to…”

Well, if they thought that was random, the news that Steve has bec0me godfather to two of the Centre’s new additions is sure to provoke even more ire.

For Sea Life Centre spokesman Chris Coventry, though, choosing Steve for the honour was a no-brainer.

“Steve has been wonderful in raising awareness of our penguins and creatures since his photos went viral earlier in the year,” he said. “So it made perfect sense for us to name him as the ‘Codfather’ to our two new rare baby gentoo penguins.

“Steve’s duties will include helping us name our chicks when we discover their sex, and being supportive to our penguins while they learn to swim.

Read more: Dan Osborne melts hearts with adorable photo of son Teddy and daughter Ella sharing a kiss

“Perhaps he can volunteer to get into the water in his armbands for encouragement.”

Now, that’s something we’d pay good money to see!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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