BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2001 | Epsom Derby | Epsom set for cockney knees-up

BBC Sport Online's Frank Keogh rounds up the news and gossip from Epsom as excitement mounts for Derby Day on Saturday.

The Derby is back on the BBC for the first time in 22 years, and coverage of the race on Saturday's Grandstand looks like turning into a real drama.

BBC Sport has the use of a vintage green open-top double decker bus which is parked just a stone's throw away from the finishing post.

Come the big day, the vehicle will be just one of dozens which will stretch in a line up the famous Epsom hill towards Tattenham Corner.

But few will be able to boast such an impressive cast list on board as the BBC bus, which is expected to attract a collection of well-known faces including some stars from the soap opera EastEnders.

Whether the whole affair will feature in a future episode of the programme set in the fictional East London borough of Walford remains to be seen.

But Epsom has been mentioned at least once on EastEnders already in the build-up to 9 June.

Former Carry On star Barbara Windsor, who plays pub queen Peggy Mitchell, is not expected to attend. Well, someone has to look after regulars at the Queen Vic.

First with the nudes

You may disapprove of streakers as show-offs with nothing better to do than let it all hang out.

Epsom's unwanted visitor on Oaks day
Yet one had to admire the civility of the chap who decided to have a run down the home straight just before the feature race of Friday, the Oaks.

Despite wearing nothing but a smile, he took time out to bow in the direction of the royal box where the Queen was preparing to watch her filly Flight of Fancy.

Unfortunately, seconds later he fell over somewhat ungraciously while attempting what appeared some kind of jump. He was the second streaker of the day. One was less amused by the first.

Crowd pleaser

Nearly 30,000 people watched the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom on Friday - but that figure is expected to be more than tripled for Derby Day 24 hours later.

There were about 14,000 paying customers in the enclosures, and a similar number of racegoers on The Hill, which is infield of the course and has no admission charge.

The total attendance is about five per cent up on the figure in the year 2000.

On-course cash turnover with the Tote via its pool betting was also on the rise, with �386,581 wagered - an increase of �37,856 on a year earlier.

Sing when you're winning

Strange as it may seem, there are some people out there who are not too fussed about the gee-gees.

They can still have a cracking day out thanks to a glittering line-up of pop stars old and new playing on The Hill on a special stage for what is known as The Heart 106.2 Vodafone Derby Picnic.

Glamour pusses Atomic Kitten, former Spice Girl Emma 'Baby' Bunton and Steps are among the female highlights.

Chart sensations Hear' Say have been confirmed as late additions, but there's also plenty on offer for the slightly older music lover.

Among the acts appearing are Go West, Deacon Blue, Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, Nik Kershaw and Marti Pellow.

So the weather forecast must be good, because Kershaw croons that he won't let the sun go down on him, while Pellow has ditched Wet, Wet, Wet.

Check out extensive live coverage of the Vodafone Derby from Epsom on BBC TV, Five Live and Sport Online on Saturday. The big race is off at 15.50 BST.