Politician in bizarre wrestling challenge

Seeing politicians ranting in the House of Commons is something we've all come to expect, but it was something of a surprise to see one frolicking in a wrestling ring.

Lembit Opik, who was once engaged to one of the Cheeky Girls, was dragged into the squared circle at a bout in Welshpool, Wales, after emerging from the crowd to accuse professional grappler Kade Callous of cheating.

The 18-stone hardman took hold of the 46-year-old bespectacled Liberal Democrat member before Lestyn Red Dragon Rees intervened to save Opik's bacon.

But the stunt took a more bizarre turn when Opik agreed to Rees's suggestion that he and the former MP team up and go toe-to-toe in a match against Callous and a partner in June.

Opik said: "I'm going to have to do a lot of training, I've got a lot to learn, I can only do my best."

But will his best be good enough to fend off the attentions of the muscle-clad super-athletes, or will the celebrity politician – and perhaps his career – be out for the count?

Posted by Mark Wilkins