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Steve found what he was looking for in Cantona

19/ 6/2008

WHITEFIELD actor Steve Evets had the shock of his life when he turned around to see Manchester United legend Eric Cantona standing behind him.

But that was exactly the reaction maverick director Ken Loach was after while filming his latest movie Looking for Eric.

Steve plays the lead character, also called ‘Eric’, and had no idea the Frenchman, known affectionately to Reds fans as ‘The King’, was to be his co-star.

The film sees Steve’s character taking tips from a self-help book that suggests walking in the steps of a hero to bring order to life.

Steve’s character takes the advice literally and he starts imagining Cantona is with him, passing on advice and wisdom.

Steve said: "It was all a big secret and I was the only one who didn’t know Eric was in the film.

"I turned around as we were filming a scene where I was talking to a poster of Eric and there was the man himself standing right behind me for real!

"I was shocked to say the least, but that’s the exact reaction that Ken Loach was looking for in that scene.

"Eric is a true gentleman and a genuine legend so everyone was a bit in awe of him at first.

"But he was a pleasure to work with. Ken Loach is one of my heroes too, so to get the chance to work with him is amazing."

Loach, famous for films such as Kes and Raining Stones, was contacted by Cantona, who wanted to share ideas about a possible film to pay tribute to United fans for their support over the years.