PHOTOS: Soap stars and former Clarets come out to play

David Eyres pictured against the celens at Turf Moor.

Around 2,000 fans gathered in the James Hargreaves Stand to catch a glimpse of celebrities from the nation’s biggest soaps including Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

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And heart-throb Ryan Thomas, who plays Corrie’s Jason Grimshaw, was surrounded by young fans when he took time to sign autographs pitchside.

On the pitch, there was plenty of action too as the teams played out an entertaining 4-3 game with the All Stars finishing as winners.

The celebrity team also included Ryan’s brother Adam, who stars in Emmerdale, and Rhodri Giggs (left), brother of Manchester United legend Ryan.

For the Clarets, former defender Frank Sinclair appeared while the team also included fans’ favourite David Eyres. Tony Grant also donned the claret and blue again.

And there was no break for gaffer Sean Dyche who took charge of the home team.

Speaking to the Express, actor Ryan Thomas, said: “We play a lot of these exhibition games and we have some decent players.

“I hate to say it but I think Rhodri is our best player. My brother’s better than me too.

“It’s good to get out into the community, see the young fans and raise some money for charity.”

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Manchester United fan Ryan added that after the match, the team would be heading to Old Trafford to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s final home game as manager.