Celebrity fans flock to Crucible snooker

Comedian Lenny Henry was there on opening morning to see world champion Neil Robertson open his defence against China Open winner Judd Trump.

You will get footballers brushing shoulders with snooker fans at the Crucible Theatre, while boxer Carl Froch, the 33-year-old WBC Super Middleweight champion, hopes to catch some action during the 17 days of play.

The Nottingham is a huge snooker fan and spends time on the baize with Michael Holt, the world No 43.

“I’ve never been to a big tournament - I’ve only been to watch qualifying matches at the EIS,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go to the Crucible but the World Championship has always clashed with my fights or training schedule.

“This year I’m really hoping to make it to the final as I’ve heard the atmosphere is brilliant. The world final would not be a bad time to go to my first venue.”

He might be sat next to Westlife star Shane Filan, who will be at the Crucible for the final weekend.

“I can’t wait,” said Filan. “ The arena is so quiet, but then once in a while it erupts, like when someone makes a century.”

The Irish musician, who is close friends with Dubliner Ken Doherty, managed to squuze in some Crucible action back in 2008, in between recording and on the road touring.

“I was struck by the intensity of the atmosphere, which is difficult to describe to anyone who hasn’t been there.”

So if you are down at the Crucible watching your favourite snooker player this next fortnight, just take a glance sideways at who is sitting next to you, it might be someone famous.