Around 5,000 people went to Havant and Waterlooville's Westleigh Park yesterday to watch the Hollyoaks hunks take on consultancy firm Capita staff – all in the name of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Cast members including Chris Fountain, who plays Justin, Nick Pickard who plays Tony, and Jimmy McKenna, who plays Jack, were cheered on to the Hawks' pitch by a largely female crowd – all hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite soap star.

Pickard, 33, Hollyoaks' team captain, said: 'We've been running a team for about eight years but have never played the south coast.

'It's a beautiful place and it's great to see so many people here.'

And the star-studded team clearly took the game seriously, all receiving a pep talk from the captain before the game and at half time.

McKenna, 55, said: 'Football is the thing that we all have in common except for the show.

'It's a great time for local people of Havant and Waterlooville Football Club at the minute.

'We love the game but the main reason we are here is to help Macmillan Cancer.'