Former EastEnders star and Chiswick resident Michael Greco has won £100,000 after triumphing a regional leg of the Grosvenor Poker Tour this week.

Greco, who played Beppe di Marco in the BBC soap, beat a fish and chip shop owner to scoop the jackpot.

Greco has proved impressive after turning his hand to professional gambling since quitting EastEnders in 2002. “Michael has what it takes to go all the way in this game,” remarked Tour manager Jonathan Raab.

He opponent, Roberto Romanello (not Ian Beale!) was said to be distraught over his loss claiming that although he had the best hand twice, he just got outdrawn. He walked away with £35,000.

Greco, who now gets a seat at November’s final in London, has been playing poker for two years. This win marks his first major triumph. “Although he has had minor successes in celebrity events, this was his first win in a recognised professional poker event,” a spokesman for the tour said.

Greco was reported as saying he will use his winnings to decorate his house and "invest the rest wisely".

March 27, 2007