Observant rugby fans watching this year's World Cup should get used to spotting an unusual figure in the crowd.

At one in every four matches, Brighton-based actor Dermot Keaney will be resplendent in bishop's robes, bedecked in sequins in the colours of his beloved Ireland.

The rugby fanatic has spent thousands of pounds in travel and tickets to get to Australia for the tournament. He hopes his holy-but-hip look will make him a big hit Down Under.

Dermot said: "I had the idea a few months ago. I always like to dress up and went off to Rome for the Ireland versus Italy match wearing a bright emerald green jacket and huge top hat. I looked like a giant tricolour flag and people kept coming up to me to saying the outfit was fantastic.

"I thought I could go one better for the World Cup. I'm travelling alone so this will be a great way to meet new friends."

The 39-year-old, who played drug dealer Lee Vickers in EastEnders, got his outfit made by Cazz Smith at fancy dress shop Masquerade in Preston Road, Brighton.

Dermot, who lives in Norfolk Terrace, has tickets for 14 of the 44 matches.

He said: "Getting tickets has been a bit of a nightmare. I just managed to get one for the opening fixture between Australia and Argentina on the internet.

"The game I haven't got a ticket for yet is Australia versus Ireland. But I'm confident when I turn up in my outfit and have my staff to bless the good people who have got a ticket I think I will be able to pick one up."

Dermot's love of the Emerald Isle comes from his Irish parents and his time spent playing for club side London Irish Under-19s and Under-21s.

He believes his team will probably "lose heroically" in the quarter-final against France and the final will be between England and New Zealand.

He said: "There is still part of me that thinks Ireland could have a chance."

Dermot will be in Australia until the final on November 22. On his return he will begin rehearsals for a pantomime at the New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton.

He said: "It is a charity theatre and all the proceeds get reinvested so we can keep going. We are hoping to raise money to install proper disabled access."