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Did you know Dion Dublin and Hollywood star Jason Statham once lived under the same roof in Great Yarmouth?

Yes, that is absolutely true.

Footballers are often associated with well-known names from the celebrity world, but those links usually come only after they have made their name on the pitch.

In Dion Dublin's case, the former Aston Villa striker had a Hollywood connection long before his playing career took off, dating back to when he was still a teenager and part of a youth setup.

The Homes Under The Hammer presenter told FourFourTwo: "Jason Statham was best friends with my brother, who was a DJ in Great Yarmouth when I was a young player at Norwich City, so I lived with him. Jason played the drums. My brother played bass, too, so they played in a band together.

"I was a 17-year-old boy who would go and watch their band then I'd go watch my brother's DJ sets with Jason, then me and J would go out after. It was good fun. Very chilled out."

Statham is, of course, famous for his parts in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, The Transporter and Mean Machine, and over the last 25 years he has built a reputation as a tough on-screen figure.

But Dublin says that image was not how his former flatmate always came across.

"I've not spoken to him for years but the Jason I knew back then was a very nice, very fun guy. He used to be a high board diver for Great Britain, too, and there was a big leisure complex on the sea front at Great Yarmouth so J used to go down sometimes and do his practice on the high board in the pool down there.

"His dad was a singer too. His brother Lee used to work on the markets as well. Jason used to work on the markets with him too so he's done everything. I think he's deserved everything he's achieved."

While Dublin, who is two years younger than Statham, saw his football career move on to Cambridge United in 1988 and then to the Premier League with Manchester United a few years later, it took another decade before Statham's acting career truly gathered pace and eventually led him to the United States.

"Would I fancy moving to Hollywood to follow in Jason Statham's footsteps?" Dublin said. "The property is too expensive!

"I'd love to go out there and give it a go though. Imagine that. Dion Dublin, action hero! I suppose I've tried everything else, haven't I? I'd throw my hat in the ring for that if they'd give us a job."

Dublin was speaking to FourFourTwo on behalf of Reviant.