Street star hosts poker tournament

It was high rollers, not regulars at the Rovers, for Coronation Street’s Nikki Sanderson as she hosted a poker tournament in a London nightclub.

The 21-year-old this week announced she is to quit the ITV1 soap and celebrated with a host of stars at the event.

Nikki, who plays aspiring weathergirl Candice Stowe in the show, ran proceedings at the Pacha nightclub, in Victoria, central London.

She has starred in the programme since November 1999, but now intends to build a new career in pop music.

Brooding French TV chef Jean Christophe Novelli, and racing pundit John McCririck, who sported a purple velvet hat and cigar, also took up seats at gaming tables.

The contest – organised by Maxim magazine and betting firm Victor Chandler - saw winners of internet tournaments seize the opportunity to compete in last night’s live final.