A former EastEnders actor surprised locals when he turned up at a Bridgend bar. Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Jake Wood, who played Max Branning in the BBC soap, is visiting the town over the bank holiday weekend.
It has emerged that he is on rugby tour with friend and will be watching Bridgend Athletic. After arriving in south Wales on Friday night, Jake decided to go out for a few drinks to the Red Dragon in Litchard, Bridgend.
And locals say he caused quite a stir with customers who thought he was just a convincing lookalike. When they realised it was actually him, they were asking for selfies and having a chat with him, telling them he like it so much he would definitely be back.
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Jen Fryer from the Red Dragon said: "It was a shock to see Jake at the Red Dragon. At first we thought he was a very convincing look-a-like!
"He was so friendly and was chatting with our customers and enjoying his evening with his friends. We look forward to seeing him again this weekend! I might pretend to be Peggy Mitchell and shout “get outta my pub!"
It is good to hear Jake is on the mend after having to pull out of last weekend's London Marathon. He was due to run for as part of Bab's Army, a team dedicated to raising funds and awareness in Dame Barbara Windsor's memory.
But he was forced to withdraw as he was still suffering the after effects of a chest infection that started whilst appearing on stage in the West End production of 2.22: A Ghost Story alongside Cheryl.
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