CELEBRITIES will be flocking into Southampton tonight - desperate to be part of the launch of the city's new late night bar.

Among the big names expected to turn out for the opening of Bambuu Bar, the latest addition to the Leisure World Complex, are model Jordan, Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien Footballers' Wives actor Gary Lucy, Saints players and former Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison.

Bambuu Bar is the latest venture for director Michael Richards, the man behind Bar Bluu, in both Bournemouth and Portsmouth.

Mr Richards said he was expecting a lot of celebrities at the special VIP opening.

"We have had a great response," he said.

"For some reason there are a lot of people desperate to come. Maybe it's because it's a bit different, or because it's outside London, but not too far outside."

Glamour model and I'm a Celebrity contestant, Jordan, is one star expected to make an appearance.

The pin-up favourite turned heads in Titchfield in December last year when she revealed some of her assets at the opening of The Radcliffe - an exclusive members club.

"Jordan has been to our other bars several times and has expressed an interest in the Bambuu Bar," said Mr Richards.

EastEnders stars invited include Lucy Speed and Charlie Brooks, who play screen rivals Natalie and Janine.

Some former stars of the soap are also expected, including Ross Kemp, Dean Gaffney and Lucy Benjamin, who until February could be seen starring alongside Jim Davidson in Aladdin at The Mayflower.

Saints players James Beattie, Fabrice Fernandes and skipper Jason Dodd, along with members of the Hampshire cricket team and several Portsmouth footballers are also among those invited.

The bar, which involved almost £1m in investment and has a late night licence, is described as an 'upmarket and sophisticated venue', which caters for 'lovers of style, music, fashion and food'.

"It will be a three atmosphere type bar," explained Mr Richards.

"Between 5pm and 8.30pm there will be an early evening Thai buffet. From 8.30pm until 10pm it will go into bar mode and from 10pm until 2am will be club mode."

The VIP night will be followed by a public opening at the weekend, which also looks set to be packed out.

"There has been great demand for tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights," said Mr Richards.

"To be honest, I tend to look forward to the public openings the most," he added.

"The proof of the pudding is the public's reaction, and hopefully they will have a very good weekend."