An X-Factor star has officially opened a new £5.5m bowling centre in north Essex.

Singer and former X-Factor contestant Jake Quickenden was joined by wife Sophie and ex-Eastenders actress Danielle Harold at the official unveiling of Hollywood Bowl Colchester on the new Northern Gateway development last night.

The new centre includes 26 state-of-the-art lanes, two ten hole mini golf courses, an amusement arcade and an American-style bar and diner.

Hollywood Bowl Colchester (Image: Sarah Chambers)

Jake and Danielle - who are set to star in  BBC’s Celebrity MasterChef - were joined by  influencers, local businesses and members of the Colchester council at the VIP event.

Jake Quickenden and Danielle Harold (Image: Sarah Chambers) Jake, who is from Essex, tried out the bowling and mini-golf at the centre.

Centre manager Sarah Macnab said the atmosphere on the night was electric.

 “That excitement you get from scoring a strike in your first bowl is how we’re all feeling at Hollywood Bowl Colchester after our launch event," she said.

"It’s also great to see what the opening means for the local community and we’re excited to welcome families across Colchester and surrounding areas to our new entertainment-filled centre.

"There’s nothing better than witnessing people of all ages getting stuck in and enjoying everything we have on offer here at Hollywood Bowl.”

Hollywood Bowl Colchester (Image: Sarah Chambers)