Danny Dyer takes credit for 'hero' Jarrod Bowen lifting West Ham to Boxing Day win at Southampton after stuffing daughter Dani's fiance 'full of my potatoes and parsnips'

Bowen, who maintains a strict dietary regime due to his professional commitments, sought approval from West Ham's nutritionist before indulging in the Christmas feast. After receiving the green light, he alerted Dani to inform her father of the go-ahead. Dyer, 47, prepared a hearty energy-boosting pasta dish, which the actor claims fuelled Bowen’s stellar performance against the Saints during the slender 1-0 victory.

Danny humorously reflected on Bowen's contribution during a podcast appearance, saying, "We were a bit sh*te - and one man won us that game, full of my potatoes and parsnips. So in a way, I’m claiming that victory because he was full up with my grub. He had the energy, he f*** won us that game because he’s such a hero."

Bowen and Dyer, who recently became engaged during a romantic getaway in Ibiza, have become one of English football’s most beloved couples. However, their wedding plans have presented a rather curious challenge. Dani, a former Love Island winner, admitted that curating the guest list has been daunting, especially when balancing her own public profile with Bowen’s Premier League stardom.

"I would say it’s as intimate and small as it can be,” she shared on Instagram. "I honestly can see why people elope and then have a big party because the guest list I honestly found so difficult. I’m getting married in like five months. I can’t believe it. I’m so excited for you all to see."

While Bowen’s Boxing Day heroics brought temporary relief for West Ham fans, recent developments have dealt a severe blow to the club. The forward has been sidelined for up to two months after sustaining a fractured foot during a humiliating 5-0 loss to Liverpool. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for manager Julen Lopetegui, whose team is languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings. There has been talk that the boss could soon be replaced by Graham Potter.