AN ex-pat Sintelliner and friend of Martin Murray has landed a role in the new Sylvester Stallone movie as a boxing referee.

Christian Ellison, who is originally from Peasley Cross, swapped his St Helens home for Philadelphia after emigrating with his American wife and children three and a half years ago.

The 38-year-old father-of-four answered a call on local TV for extras for the new movie Creed in which Stallone's Rocky character trains the grandson of his former rival Apollo Creed.

A former pupil at Sutton High, Christian said he believes one of the reasons he got the role was his northern accent as the film's main fight is set in Liverpool.

He stressed that Stallone is keen to ensure this film is not the latest Rocky film: "This is supposed to be a new beginning. He doesn't want people to look at this as being Rocky 7 but Creed 1."

Christian worked alongside the Rambo actor for eight days, spending 12 to 14 hours on set and even getting the chance to have a chat about his pal Martin Murray.

"One day I had a good conversation with Sly and Michael Buffer (US boxing ring announcer) about my good friend and St Helens hero Martin Murray and his fight against Golovkin. They talked about how much of a trooper Martin was and Michael said it was no means a step back, more of a leap forwards."

Christian, who boxed at the same gym as Martin and former Commonwealth medallist Stephen Birch, said: "I was never in the same class as Martin or Ste. They were in a league of their own. But I took what I knew about boxing and used it in a different way as it was my experience of being in the ring that also helped me get this roll.

"The experience was mind blowing. I never thought I would be in a Hollywood movie let alone work with a guy I have looked up to since I was a kid. I was told this may open even more doors for me in the acting world so who knows."