Express & Star

Line of Duty star joining team for charity football match

Fresh from starring in the show which gripped the nation, Line of Duty actor Stephen Graham will be in Walsall this weekend for a charity football match in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance.

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Line of Duty star Stephen Graham

Stephen Graham played undercover officer John Corbett in Series 5 of Line of Duty, and has also starred in This Is England as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne - which was created by filmmaker Shane Meadows who is originally from Uttoxeter in Staffordshire.

And Stephen will be back on our TV screens in Channel 4's The Virtues from May 15.

Stephen Graham with co-stars in Line of Duty

He will be joined by TV personalities, soap stars and musicians taking to Walsall's Banks's Stadium pitch on Saturday.

Calum Best, James Argent from TOWIE, and Dean Gaffney from Eastenders, will join ex-footballers and other well-known names for the Celebrity Charity Air Ambulance Cup.

Dean Gaffney, the actor best known for playing Robbie Jackson in EastEnders, said: "I see the incredible work the charity does and to be able to help raise vital funds for them means a lot to me."

Calum Best at a previous charity football match in Walsall

Dom Lever, best known for appearing in Love Island, added: "I attended to the charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball last year and saw all the incredible stories of the work they do so I’m very proud to be part of this match."

Another former Love Island TV star, Alex Bowen, said: "It’s an amazing charity that needs all the support they can get, so please let’s get behind this celebrity match!"

And when asked about what his favourite thing about the Black Country is, he said: "I’m from the Midlands, so I love it here and of course I’m proud of how successful the Peaky Blinders has been."

The cup will take place between 3pm and 6pm on Saturday.

Love Island's Dom Lever

And the night before a pre-match dinner will be held with James Argent performing.

Arg, who found fame on hit television show The Only Way is Essex, will be singing jazz classics for guests after a three course dinner.

Beginning at 7pm, the evening will kick off the weekend antics at Banks’s Stadium in Walsall, as part of the celebrity charity football match being held in aid of the lifesaving charity.

A smart/casual dress code is being encouraged for the evening, as guests sit down with well-known television, film and sporting favourites from the world of showbiz.

James Argent

Other entertainment will include a Q&A with the celebrities playing in the football match the following day, and a disco to close the evening.

Jo Bailey, events and area fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “The evening looks to be a brilliant one-of-a-kind event, with supporters getting the opportunity to sit down and enjoy dinner with their favourite celebrities.

“With entertainment from Arg and the other stars throughout the evening, it’s sure to be a night to remember, and all for our fantastic cause.”

Smile For Joel charity football match at Bescot Stadium, Walsall in 2017. Dean Gaffney and Katie Price's husband Kieran Hayler

Tickets cost £50 per person, or £500 for a table of 10. To book your place, email jo.bailey@midlandsairambulance.com

Match day general admission is £12 per adult and £6 per child (14 years and under).

The star-studded charity match, is being organised by Sellebrity Soccer, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Walsall FC.

For more information visit midlandsairambulance.com/charityfootballmatch19