Shane makes Big Issue of 40th birthday

EastEnders star Shane Richie is throwing a 40th birthday bash tonight after selling the rights to the Big Issue for £1.10p (€1.61).

The big-hearted actor, who plays landlord Alfie Moon, turned down a £150,000 (€220,000) offer from a glossy magazine to cover the event.

Instead the homeless magazine will have exclusive access to the stars.

Richie’s EastEnders co-stars will be among the guests at his home in Denham, Bucks.

They will party the night away in a marquee erected in the grounds.

Richie may also invite some of his famous neighbours – residents of the upmarket village include Cilla Black, Patrick Mower, Sir John Mills and My Family star Robert Lindsay.

A music superstar is being promised as the highlight of the evening’s entertainment, although their identity is being kept secret.

Contrary to reports, there will be no Siberian tigers at the bash.

All the pictures and gossip from the night will be featured in the Big Issue published on March 22.

Richie chose the magazine because he was once homeless himself.

In 1980, at the age of 16, he moved to Plymouth on the promise of a DJ job.

But it fell through and, unable to pay the rent, he was forced to sleep rough - too proud to tell his family of his plight.

He was arrested for vagrancy after two weeks and sent back home to London.

It is not the first time a star has rejected a big money offer from a glossy magazine.

Johnny Vegas sold the rights to his 2002 San Francisco wedding to Viz for £1 (€1.46).