TV HARDMAN Danny Dyer is making a rare appearance at Lakeside shopping centre on Saturday.

The Eastenders actor and film star, known for playing menacing characters in gritty British films, will be signing copies of his book The Films of Danny Dyer by Jonathan Sothcott and James Mullinger.

Empire magazine said of the book, which charts Dyer’s film career to date: “Dyer's quotes are priceless in a spirited defence of his film career.”

Dyer, 36, said: “We had a blast pulling this book together. I have worked with Jonathan Sothcott on a number of films, so when he came to me with the idea for the book I said yeah, why not. It's an honest look at my career and I hope fans will love it.

“I am really looking forward to meeting everybody at the store and a great time at Lakeside.”

Danny will be in the WHSmith Lakeside store from 1pm for the one-off signing.

*A STUDY commissioned by Lakeside owners Intu has found that the shopping centre is one of Thurrock’s biggest employers.

The report found that intu accounts for nine per cent of the borough’s employment, delivering 6,249 jobs.

The results of intu's Economic Contribution Report, conducted by Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners were released as it was announced that Thurrock’s unemployment is now at 4.1 per cent - down almost two per cent on the peak of February 2013.