BOLTON Evening News reader Amanda Hart was jumping for joy last night after meeting EastEnder Martin Kemp.

Martin -- bad boy Steve Owen in the BBC soap -- swapped London E20 for Bolton's Atlantis Nightclub to present Mrs Hart with flowers and champagne in a BEN competition.

But the former 80s pop idol shunned the limelight and refused to be pictured with the excited mum on her big day.

He did not allow a BEN photographer to snap the pair together in front of hundreds of screaming nightclubbers -- saying his BBC contract would not let him be pictured. But that didn't spoil Mrs Hart's night out on the town.

She danced the night away with workmate Karen Thompson after accepting the huge bouquet of flowers on stage -- but had to get up for work bright and early today.

Mrs Hart, aged 29, a Royal Mail worker at the Farnworth Depot from Arnold Street, Halliwell, Bolton, said; "I have always liked Eastenders and Spandau Ballet and to meet Martin Kemp in person was very exciting.

"I could not believe it when the letter from the BEN dropped on my door mat to tell me I had won - I was over the moon.

"It was a fantastic night and I really enjoyed myself."

Hundreds of nightclubbers watched as Mr Kemp, who was constantly surrounded by bouncers, appeared live on stage to briefly discuss his singing and acting career.