COLCHESTER’s new £5.5m Hollywood Bowl hosted an exclusive VIP launch party which was attended by singer Jake Quickenden and actress Danielle Harold.

Singer and former X-Factor contestant, Jake Quickenden alongside his wife Sophie and ex-Eastenders star Danielle Harold were at the VIP launch party of the new £5.5 million bowling centre at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park.

Both Jake and Sophie are both set to star in BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef and the pair mingled with fans before testing out multiple games in the amusement arcade.

While the former Eastender star, Danielle Harold, showed off her sporting talents at the bowling centre, scoring a strike in her first game.

Cutting - Jake Quickenden Cutting - Jake Quickenden and Danielle Harold cutting the ribbon (Image: Jonathan Hordle)

The new bowling and family entertainment centre is set over two floors – and has opened in time for the school summer holidays.

There are 26 “sleek and state-of-the-art bowling lanes” as well as two ten-hole mini golf courses - each equipped with the latest bowling technology, including high-tech scoring.

Sarah Macnab, centre manager at Hollywood Bowl Colchester, said: “That excitement you get from scoring a strike in your first bowl is how we’re all feeling at Hollywood Bowl Colchester after our launch event

“The atmosphere was electric, full of celebrations, and our star-studded guests immersed themselves in fun.

"It’s also great to see what the opening means for the local community and we’re excited to welcome families across Colchester and surrounding areas to our new entertainment-filled centre.

"There’s nothing better than witnessing people of all ages getting stuck in and enjoying everything we have on offer here at Hollywood Bowl.”