EAST Lancashire funnyman Jim Bowen has turned his hand to acting - by starring in a new music video.

The former Bullseye host, who was brought up in Padiham and attended Accrington Grammar School, plays a darts coach in the video for a new single by Manchester punk band Sonic Boom Six.

The plot sees Bowen, 75, take a group of fledgling darts players and train them until they are good enough to make the world championship.

Ultimately his apprentice fails to defeat his fictional rival, but the message behind the song, entitled ‘Keep On Believing’, is one of hope and overcoming the odds.

Bowen admitted he was initially confused when the band, who shot the video to promote the release of the single next month, approached him.

He previously had cameo roles in BBC’s Jonathan Creek and Channel 4's Phoenix Nights.

He said: “They had this idea about me acting as a coach, which was strange really as I was only ever a presenter on Bullseye and not a player.

“We filmed it a few weeks ago to coincide with the World Darts Championship being on the television but I don’t think I’ll be making a career change into acting just yet.

“I was a bit confused at being in a music video but the band were really great kids.

“Musically it’s not my thing but they were lovely and made me feel really welcome.”

Sonic Boom Six are signed to London-based label Xtra Mile Recordings, and have been a staple in the British punk scene since their formation in 2002, renowned for their politically-charged lyrics.

Blackburn Rovers fan Bowen, who now lives in Lancaster, has toned down his workload since suffering a mild stroke in February 2011.

He hosted darts gameshow Bullseye between 1981 and 1995.