RIDE OF THEIR LIVES: Self-confessed adrenalin junkie Bill Bailey was among the first to try out a new £15 million roller-coaster at Alton Towers.

The comedian, pictured right, was joined at the VIP launch of the ride Th13teen at the theme park last night with stars including Gail Porter, Calum Best, Jennifer Ellison, Jeremy Edwards and late arrival Jonathan Ross.

They tried out the ride, which has replaced the Corkscrew, before it was due to open to the public today. Th13teen reaches 42mph and is being described as a 'psychoaster' by park bosses, because it combines the white-knuckle speed of a roller-coaster with the scares of a horror film.

Speaking at last night's launch, Mr Bailey said: "I'm an adrenalin junkie.

"It's good to be back in the area as my father Christopher grew up just outside Stoke-on-Trent.

"I've fond childhood memories spending time here. Dad bought me a Stoke-on-Trent dialect book."

Gail Porter said: "I've been to Alton Towers five or six times before. I love it."

Jennifer Ellison said: "I brought my twin daughters Sophie and Chloe, aged nine, here last year. They really enjoyed it."

Pictured, from left, are Jennifer Ellison, Calum Best, Gail Porter and boyfriend Jonny D and Dancing On Ice star Jeremy Edwards.

Pictures: Wesley Webster