Bingo friends share £92,000 Telford jackpot

The two friends, who don't want their identities revealed, were handed the money at the Globe Bingo Hall in Donnington, by Emmerdale heartthrob, Matthew Wolfenden.

The soap star, who plays one third of a love triangle, David Metcalfe, thrilled the hundreds of bingo players at last night's bingo session by turning up with two large bouquets for the winners and then trying his hand at calling a bingo game.

There was a kiss for birthday girl, 41 year old Alison Richardson, who said it was her best birthday ever, and a special 'selfie' photo for teenagers Shannon Jones and Abi Goodsir, when Matthew popped outside to chat to the two 14-year-olds , who, not allowed into the over 18s bingo hall had been waiting outside for hours.

"It was worth it, he is lovely," Shannon said.,

The young winner of the £92,106.46 admitted she didn't watch Emmerdale but her friend is an avid fan and was delighted that Matthew was there to present the giant cheque for the prize they won on March 9.

They both said that they would be spending their share of the money on home improvements, and perhaps a holiday.

The winner said: "We had decided to come on the off chance to take part in the new, national bingo game. We come along perhaps every couple of months.

"We have always said that we will share our winnings and that is what we are doing – we are good friends."

Matthew said: "It was the first time I had called a bingo game. It was great fun. It's also be really great to be able to present such a large cheque to two lovely ladies."

He was unable to reveal how his latest story line, a love triangle, would work out.

"I know its really frustrating for viewers at the moment but I cant give the game away."

"I love Emmerdale. I have been there for eight years and have been lucky enough to always have decent story lines."

Club general manager, Adrian Gittins said that as well as hitting the jackpot our customer scooped a luxury cruise for two as a bonus for being one of the first lucky winners."

"We are thrilled to see two of our members receive such a huge prize. It's a great start to the new year. The government has given us a bonus with the tax benefit and we are seeing a large investment in this building, which has been such a large part of the community for many years."

The New National Bingo Game was launched in February with an up to £250,000 jackpot and £25,000 national prize.

After presenting the cheque, Matthew went on to call a bingo game and then meet and great many of the delighted players who formed a sea of photo taking and autograph hunting fans.

They included 20-year-old Heather Arrowsmith, from Newport, who had never played bingo before but went along for a glimpse of the actor.

"Not only did I get to see him but I won a game as well," she said.

She went along with friend, 27-year old Terri East who was also delighted to see Matthew.