Aston Villa's stadium played host to another set of stars yesterday as the world of showbiz took to the pitch in a charity fund-raiser.
Villa Park was the setting for the annual celebrity football tournament, Soccer Six, which is celebrating its tenth year.
Among the star-studded line-up was former Westlife singer Brian McFadden; TV's Royle Family star Ralf Little; pin-up girl Leilani, from Celebrity Wrestling; popsters Liberty X, plus other TV soap stars, while football was represented by ex-Wolves striker Steve Bull and former Villa and Coventry player Steve Froggatt.
Rod Stewart, who had been expected to appear with wife-to-be Penny Lancaster, was absent after coming down with a throat infection which also forced the cancellation of his weekend concerts at the NEC.
The first Soccer Six took place in London in 1995 when Blur, Oasis, Robbie Williams and Jarvis Cocker were among the players.
This year, it is attempting to raise awareness of healthy living and the event was sponsored by eatwell.gov.uk, the Food Standards Agency's website on diet, health and nutrition.
