YORK woman Jo McManus enjoyed a little extra New Year cheer when she got the chance to cuddle up to an EastEnder.

Jo met soap star Shane Richie at an event to thank her for a year of hard work running York classes for Slimming World.

She met Shane, who plays the Queen Vic's rogue manager Alfie Moon, at Slimming World's annual awards ceremony.

Jo said: "Shane was a nice guy, so easy to talk to. He was full of admiration for our slimmers and seemed genuinely impressed by Slimming World and the work we do."

Updated: 10:08 Saturday, January 04, 2003