BOXING movie Creed is earning rave reviews following its release in the US and a St Helens actor with a love of the sport is enjoying a role as man in the middle.

It is the seventh film to star Sylvester Stallone, 69, as Rocky and sees the character train the son of his former rival Apollo Creed.

Among the cast is Christian Ellison, from Peasley Cross, who emigrated to Philadelphia with his American wife and children almost four years ago.

He answered a call on local TV for extras for the movie and landed the role of a boxing referee.

A former pupil at Sutton High Christian, 38, boxed at the same gym as Martin Murray and counts him as a friend.

He said he took what he knew about boxing into the role but believed it was his northern accent which landed him the part as the film’s main fight is set in Liverpool.

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.

He explained: “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.”

Christian said Creed will be released in cinemas in the UK on January 15.

“The release date in the US is November 25 but I saw it last Friday. I have sent a picture of me with Tessa Thomson and the man photo bombing us is the director and co-writer Ryan Coogler.”