THE Recorder’s West Ham photographer Steve Bacon donned the famous claret and blue kit on Saturday as he prepared to face the cameras for a change.

Our famous snapper was invited by a group of Hammers fans to join them in the ‘Luther Blissett Stand’ on Sky Sports’s Soccer AM programme.

“A mad-keen West Ham mate of mine, Dan Jarvis, had got together with a few of his fellow supporters and applied to go on the show,” said Steve.

“It’s a programme I watch every week, so I was very interested – but I knew that to appear I’d have to wear full football kit, something I haven’t done since my school days many years ago.”

However, the veteran photographer took the plunge and took his place with the seven other fans for the live broadcast which aired at 10 am on Saturday.

“It was the most amazing experience, said Steve. “They had a great line-up of guests for the show, with former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff heading the bill.

“Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt and two band members of The Manic Street Preachers made up the guest list.

He added: “We had some great banter with Thorsvedt and he took it in very good spirit.”

After the show, the fans had the chance to take pictures with the guests and presenters, and Steve took the chance to add to his extensive lection.

“I had to get a shot with the Hoff,” he said.

“After all it’s not every day you get to meet a showbiz legend.”

“I also got to sit on the show’s famous orange sofa with presenters Helen Chamberlain and Max Rushden, who were brilliant with all of us fans.”

Despite photographing the Hammers for more than 35 years for the Recorder, the 58-year-old admits to being rather star-struck about his appearance.

“It was an amazing experience to be involved on Soccer AM and I’m so glad I took the plunge and bought that West Ham kit,” he said.

“But it will probably be a long time before it comes out of the wardrobe again.”