Philpott has hosted the London show since its inception back in 2005 - and he's now preparing to welcome guests on to the stage at the inaugural The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham (Nov 16-18).

Appearing in the award-winning soap opera has meant a very busy schedule for him this year, but it was a role which gave him a great deal of satisfaction.

He said: 'Being a born-and-bred Essex lad, I had always been hoping for this opportunity. Certainly, the experience of being on Albert Square is one I'll never forget. 'It's amazing how much smaller everything is up close ... like Kath's Cafe, The Queen Vic or Ian Beale. He?s only 3ft 5inches!

'It's also been a privilege to be part of Eastenders' rich heritage. I'm a lucky boy. By the way my next transmission dates begin on November 26 on BBC1?

'But I'm glad my various schedules have allowed me to reprise my role as host for the Golf Show Co. I've enjoyed working with the team in London for three years now and I'm sure the event in Birmingham will be just as successful and enjoyable.'

Philpott's stint as compere at April's London Golf Show finished the day before he started filming in Eastenders. And it provided him with an unusual experience, for one of the last guests he interviewed that day was Eastenders' actor Phil Daniels, who plays Kevin Wicks.

Philpott recalled: 'It was quite strange because we'd never met before the London Golf Show and there I was interviewing him about his golf and his TV career one day - and the next day I was filming a scene in which I was bedding his former wife in the series, Shirley, played by Linda Henry.

'Because I'd learned all the lines and knew the plot I felt like saying 'Hi Phil you don?t know me but I?m about to get off with your ex-wife?' Phil and I had a laugh about it when I explained what my new role was.

'I suppose there's always a chance they might bring Kenny Morris back regularly. Perhaps he could start chatting up somebody else's ex - I quite fancy playing the part of a serial philandering bobby.

'You know what they say about men in uniform?' he smiled.

Ryan Philpott will be compering on the stage at The Golf Show, NEC Birmingham, from November 16-18.

To find out more about the Birmingham Golf Show, and to purchase advance tickets (with a bonus of extra 'goodies') visit the show's web site at www.golfshownec.com.