RIVAL nightclubs today declared war with a bevy of soap stars to make personal appearances when York's newest venue opens.

The city's twin-scene club ikon and Diva on Clifton Moor fired the opening salvo with the announcement that Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen, alias Ricky and Bianca from EastEnders, along with former Neighbours star Jason Donovan, would be appearing at the club.

Now York's well-established clubs, The Gallery and Toffs, have hit back with an impressive line-up of Eastenders and Coronation Street stars including Beppe (Michael Greco), Les Battersby (Bruce Jones), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), Greg Kelly (Stephen Billington) and Gianni (Mark Bannerman).

On top of the famous names, the clubs are also head-to-head over who can clinch the best live music acts.

The Gallery and Toffs have got Spacedust, famous for their hit Gym & Tonic, and Mousse T vs Hot 'n' Juicy, with their smash hit Horney, while ikon and Diva have clinched the Massive Heeds from TFI Friday and Blockster, currently riding high in the Top Ten with You Should Be.

Marketing manager for The Gallery and Toffs, Mark Williams, said: "We've had our stars booked for months, but we did do it to clash with the opening of the new club. We're confident that at the end of the day our clubs will attract more clubbers because we're convenient."

A spokesperson for ikon and Diva wouldn't be drawn on the soap star battle. He would only say: "The twin-scene club boasts sta-of-the-art sound and light systems second to none. Combine this with our police-trained door stewards, comprehensive CCTV system and free shuttle bus running between the city centre and the club, and you'll see that this club represents exactly what York's most discerning clubbers have been waiting for."

Battle commences as follows:

On Thursday, February 4, Spacedust will be appearing at Toffs and The Gallery, while the Massive Heeds will be performing on the opening night of ikon and Diva. The next day, Les Battersby will be at The Gallery and Toffs battling it out neck and neck with Ricky and Bianca at ikon and Diva.

On Thursday, February 11, Mousse T will play The Gallery and Toffs when ikon and Diva launch their 45 Retro Roadshow.

On the Friday, Grant Mitchell will be at The Gallery and Toffs while Blockster perform at ikon and Diva. And finally, ikon and Diva play host to Jason Donovan on Thursday, February 18, a day before Gianni appears at The Gallery and Toffs.

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