Famous names back the Whites to get to the final

Former Bolton School pupil, actor Ralf Little is dashing out of a TV studio to rush to the nearest pub.

The 19-year-old, famous for his role as Anthony Royle in the hit-comedy The Royle Family, will be presenting for music channel MTV tomorrow afternoon.

But he will race away as soon as he has presented the show to cheer on his team.

And he has promised to give out best wishes to the Wanderers during his live broadcast.

Ralf, who was brought up in Bury, but considers himself a Bolton "lad", said: "If they win it will be fantastic. It's going to be a tough one for them."

TV presenter Emma Forbes is a huge Bolton Wanderers fan and will be cheering on the Super Whites. The pretty daughter of Nanette Newman said: "I hope the team do really well. I am bombarded with Bolton Wanderers from my manager who is from Bolton so I keep up with all the information. I am sure they can get through to the final and I will be giving them all my support."

Britain's most famous commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme is making the trip to Wembley to cheer on the Wanderers. But it will also be a trip down memory lane for Farnworth-born Kenneth, the voice behind the immortal piece of sporting commentary "They think it's all over . . . it is now."

He said: "I shall be there and I hope I shall be there at the final. I just hope they can do it."

Kenneth, now retired, has his best memory of Wembley as that famous 1966 World Cup win for England, and his famous line at the end of the match. And he is keenly aware that history is there for the taking.

His dad was at the very first FA Cup final at Wembley when Wanderers beat West Ham 2-0. He said: "My dad used to tell us about it. He said it was absolute chaos with all the extra fans who got in free." But he will not shed a tear when the famous twin towers are finally bulldozed later this year. He said: "Wembley is well passed its sell by date. I hope the national stadium of the future has just as good a reputation."

Bolton comedian Stu Francis, who lives in Smithills, will be at Wembley with his family and a group of friends.

The 51-year-old TV celebrity, who still performs on cruise ships and is doing the summer season at Blackpool, joked: "I'll crush more than a grape if they pull it off. I'll jump off more than a doll's house, I'll jump off the Reebok." Illusionist Richard de Vere and his famous doggie sidekick Schnorbitz don't think it's a barking mad idea to suggest underdogs Bolton can beat Premiership Aston Villa. The 32-year-old Harwood magician, fresh from a series of show in Las Vegas and Atlantic City in America said: "You must first be a believer if you want to be an achiever. We believe that Wanderers will achieve."

Bolton's three MPs have given their backing to a Wanderers' win. David Crausby is making his way across London from his home in the capital to meet up with pals from Bolton. He said: "I'm looking forward to it immensely. It'll be a tough match against a team like Aston Villa. But as its the semi final of the FA Cup anything can happen."

Dr Brian Iddon said: "Although I can't make it to Wembley, I hope everyone there from Bolton has a fantastic time. If they make it to the final I will move heaven and earth to make sure I am there."

Ruth Kelly said: "I am going to give a big cheer for our town team. I am sure they are going to do very well and give a boost to Bolton."

Mayor of Bolton John Monaghan also joined the well-wishers. The mayor, who is making the trip to Wembley and will be sitting in the royal box, said: "I am a big Wanderers fan as well as being there to represent the town. It is a great occasion and I hope they get the right result. It would be nice to finish at Wembley in the final."

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