Former EastEnders star promises knockout night

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A former BBC soap star is due to perform at Ashford’s comedy club.

Ricky Grover will headline the gig at the Ashford International Hotel, off Simone Weil Avenue, on Friday, February 26.

After stints working as a hairdresser and a boxer – earning the name Ricky ‘Goodnight’ Grover due to his big punching power – he turned to acting, writing and performing.

His TV roles include Red Dwarf, staring as Heather’s boyfriend, Andrew Cotton, in EastEnders in 2011/2012 and as gangster, Bulla, on Channel 4’s The 11 O’Clock Show.

In character as Bulla, Ricky was even interviewed by one of this biggest fans, chat show host Michael Parkinson.

Originally from London’s East End, he has also featured in many films including Dead Cert with Jason Flemyng and Danny Dyer, Big Fat Gypsy Gangster, and Love, Honour and Obey.

Ricky is a favourite on the UK comedy circuit and has performed many times at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

He will be joined on the night by Mike McClean, who, after training as an actor, moved to stand-up.

Mike broke onto the circuit with a comedy magic act and was soon spotted by a TV producer from Nickelodeon.

He went on to front several shows for the channel, including Nick AM, a live daily breakfast show.

He later joined ITV to present the kids game show It’s Not Fair, followed by two series of Mad for It, a live children’s show.

The night will be hosted by Tony Simpson, an energetic compere, confident in improvisation and interacting with any kind of audience.

Tickets for the show are now on sale from £18, or £25 including a two-course meal.

Go to www.thecomedyclub. co.uk or call 01233 219988. SATURDAY

Four miles – starting at 1pm from Ash Library car park, going to Nash with Collyer’s Companions. SUNDAY

Five miles – starting at 10am from Shepherdswell railway station car park with Dover & Thanet Rights of Way Society.

Six miles – starting at 10am from Red Lion Square, Hythe with the White Cliffs Ramblers.

Ten miles – starting at 10am from Sandwich railway station, pub stop in Worth with the White Cliffs Ramblers.

Twelve miles – starting at 10am from Breach Downs, near Barham, lunch stop at Densole with East Kent Rambling Club.

Twenty miles – starting at 9.25am at Borough Green railway station, pub stop in Mereworth with the Long-distance Walkers Association (Kent Group). WEDNESDAY

Five miles – starting at 10.30am from The Plough, Ripple ,with the East Kent Rambling Club.

Twelve miles – starting at 10am from Wye Downs car park, pub stop at Stowting with the East Kent Rambling Club. THURSDAY

Eight miles – starting at 10am from Brockhill Country Park, pub stop at Etchinghill with the White Cliffs Ramblers.