Cool ... will post later this evening.  I can then email you the .PSD file so you can see the steps.

pm me your email addy and I will mail you over the originals.  I see what you mean about the noise.  I could spend longer softening the background, but tbh, I think it looks okay as it is.  

Looks so much better!

*note to self*
Must take more time and practice playing with shadows more...

zpyder - tried mailing them to you last night, but I have almost maxed out my allowed usage with plus net.  So it failed twice trying to send.  I then zipped up to send, although still 20mb.  If you can wait till monday/tuesday next week will do it then for you fella!

Glad you like the processed one, although when working with such a great photo to begin with it makes it that much easier.   -)

I can wait. I should be doing my dissertation hehe!