Ross kicks booze-up into touch for opera EASTENDERS hardman Grant Mitchell showed his mettle on the rugby field but bowed out of a post-match dinner for a night at the opera.

Actor Ross Kemp impressed the best when he turned out for a testimonial rugby match for Marlow coach Derek White at Riverwoods, Marlow, on Sunday.

Derek White, a former British Lion and Scottish international, said: "He is actually a good player. He plays centre. He is a very strong receiver who is not scared to put some tackles in. He lives up to his reputation on the TV. He told me he has played Rugby League when he was in Emmerdale a few years ago."

Mr White said Ross was invited by Marlow players, who met him in a match at Leicester three weeks ago.

He added: "He had a couple of beers after the game and was very chatty. He would have stayed for dinner but had to go to the opera. I think he really enjoyed himself."

Club administrator Diane Lake said: "He was a really nice unassuming person."

Full match report: Page 117 and jumped at the chance

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