Zara's England centre plays poker in Splott

Aled Blake, Western Mail

SHE took him to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen.

He took her to a warehouse turned TV studio in the corner of a bleak industrial estate in Splott.

Zara Phillips and her England rugby star boyfriend Mike Tindall were in Cardiff yesterday, but Tindall was not soaking up the city's pre-match atmosphere. He was in Wales to play poker against some of Britain's top celebrity players.

Zara, 23-year-old daughter of the Princess Royal, was wearing a slim-fitting jumper and casual jeans as she sat in the green room while Tindall played poker.

Tindall, out of the Six Nations clash with Wales tomorrow was philosophical about missing out on another England cap.

"I have had a bad year and this is going to be another three months out," he said. "But the match is going to be very close.

"The only thing that does not suit Wales is that they still concede too many points - they don't have a problem scoring points but it just depends on how the defence does."

The Bath centre predicted a high scoring game and a victory for England.

He added, "Wales have had so many games where they have lost by only a few points, they have had those collapses in defence.

"I am confident about England's chances but at the same time Wales have a habit of putting in good performances against us so it's not a foregone conclusion.

"I know it's a cliche but it is the team who turns up on the day."

Tindall, 26, said the poker was helping him relax and take his mind of his leg injury.

"It's a good laugh and you get to meet a lot of nice people."

Celebrities have been in Cardiff throughout the week, taking part in digital channel Challenge's Celebrity Poker Club 3, made by Welsh TV production company Presentable.

Former EastEnders star Michael Greco, who played Beppe Di Marco in the BBC soap, was one.

"Without wanting to sound like pretentious actor, it's the same kind of rush as when I go on stage on the opening night when you get the heartbeat pumping," he said.

"The adrenalin rush is incredible. I have started to play in a few tournaments in the last six months."

Greco, who is currently starring in a theatre production of Kiss Me Kate, was impressed by the Welsh capital - and he could be back in a few months when the play comes to Wales.

He said, "Last time I came to Cardiff was a few years ago and I can't believe it. It's just like a smaller version of London. It is more compact and there are great clubs and some beautiful scenery."

Actor Xander Armstrong caught the bug for poker again after taking part in the programme. He said, "I haven't played for a long time and I've actually fallen out of practice."

It was the first time playing poker for comedienne Kitty Flanagan.

"I learned how to play coming down on the train. But it's been great, really good.

"I love Cardiff, I'm here all the time - in fact this is where I do my Christmas shopping. It's one of my favourite cities and reminds me of my home town, Sydney."

Fellow comedienne Lucy Porter also heaped praise on the capital.

"The audiences are always really up for it here, they heckle but in a nice way - they really like to have fun.

"I have had a brilliant time it has been lovely, Cardiff is always nice, although Splott is not the most glamorous spot.

"And doing this was a good way to play poker with really good players."

Celebrity Poker Club 3 will be on Challenge weekdays from March 28 at 10pm