DJ Zoe Ball joins calls for EastEnders’ Sonia to be guest of honour at new Kettering venue
As Lucky Chuck’s Leisure Lounge in Market Place takes shape in Kettering town centre, the venue’s figurehead has been hoping to attract a former ‘resident’ back.
In a 2016 EastEnders’ character Sonia Fowler moved to Kettering after accepting a job at a private hospital, putting the town at the centre of a shock soap opera storyline.
Lucky Chuck’s has been trying to contact Sonia played by actress Natalie Cassidy, to entice her to be an ‘ambassador’ at the opening of the new venue.
In a celebrity twist of fate, DJ and TV presenter Zoe Ball has expressed her disappointed that the Lucky Chuck’s team has been unable to attract the former superstar ‘resident’ to return as its ambassador.
Wishing the Lucky Chuck’s team good luck, Zoe said: “I’m so disappointed that Sonia from EastEnders was unable to be your ambassador. Lucky Chuck’s sounds like a fine establishment and I wanted to wish you all the luck in the world at your launch."
Lucky Chuck’s Leisure Lounge is due to open in the old Mister Ray’s building in Kettering town centre and is undergoing a £1 million refurbishment.
The two-floor venue will feature a vintage arcade bar, pizza parlour, and gaming rooms packed with interactive darts, shuffleboard, mini golf, pool tables and more.
Zoe, who was filmed outside the venue, even offered to lend a hand creating the pizzas that will feature on the menu.
In the spirit of Lucky Chuck’s tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign, she added: “Hopefully I can pop by sometime. I could even get on board with topping pizzas if you need a hand.”
Lucky Chuck’s are still keen to get ‘Sonia’ from Albert Square to Kettering Market Place but Natalie Cassidy’s management has said she is busy filming.
A spokesman for Lucky Chuck’s said: “Lucky Chuck’s would like to thank Zoe Ball for stepping in to support us after the unfortunate news that Sonia off EastEnders was unavailable.
“Lucky Chuck’s is calling for Sonia to return to the town as she is an icon of a generation and put Kettering on the map. The amount of people who are asking when she is coming to Kettering, is quite a thing.”
The new venue has now appointed a head chef and manager, who are starting in December ready for a new year opening.
Lucky Chuck’s has launched its brand-new website with a tasty offer, by signing up, subscribers will receive free pizza every year on their birthday - for life.
Subscribers will also get early access to book a night out before the public launch.
Other plans include a pizza challenge. When the venue’s throws open its doors, guests will be invited to take on the Lucky Chuck’s Pizza Challenge – to finish a 20-inch New York-style pizza solo in under 10 minutes, and get it for free.
Go to https://luckychucks.com/ for further details.