AN East Lancashire celebrity’s final hand proved too hard to beat as he out-witted his rivals at the final of The partypoker Big Bluff charity event.

Blackburn’s former superbike world champion Carl Fogarty joined model Melinda Messenger, actress Jorgie Porter and footballer Adebayo ‘The Beast’ Akinfenwa to lock horns and let the chips fly in the £5,000 grand final at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.

The former King of the Jungle out-performed his competition to take the title and win the prize money for his chosen charity, the NSPCC.

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The Big Bluff Challenge was launched in May by online poker site partypoker in a bid to prove that anyone can learn to play and enjoy poker, with the famous faces putting their skills and reputations to the test.

Over the last three months, the four celebrities, who had never played poker before, have undergone a crash course, which culminated in the final table.

The quartet have been put through a series of masterclasses led by professional poker player Simon Trumper, boxing legend Carl Froch and a specialist sport psychologist, Dave Alred, who have taught them all they need to know about the game, from a basic ‘how to play’ guide right up to in-depth psychology as well as brain training.

Foggy, who is originally from Blackburn, said: “I practised until I had my poker face perfected and then unleashed it on the final table.

“I’ve had an amazing time and we’ve had such a laugh.

“Even after all the wins in my life this still feels as good as the first.

“It’s great to add another title to my seven world titles.”

Bayo, who placed second, said: “The last three months have sped by. It’s been so memorable and bringing four people from different walks of life together has been exciting.

“Carl may have won but he was only slightly better than me, I will continue to play poker and maybe beat him next time.

“I’m only sorry that I won’t get to see the guys again soon.”

Group head of partypoker Tom Waters said: “We’re so thrilled that the celebrities have taken on the the partypoker Big Bluff challenge and offer huge congratulations to Carl for his win.

“He demonstrated real knowledge of the game and is a worthy champion, showing he’s number one in everything he does.

“All the celebrities performed brilliantly in the final, it was a close game, and the tips and skills they picked up in the masterclasses obviously helped. To think that they had never played poker before starting out just three months ago is incredible.”