Ok, great success. Did similar to u guys in the end. Boot decided it didnt want to open. Removed the parcel shelf first, undid screws, got arm im and pulled the boot release.
Discovered that the black thingy that is operated by the s
badge has started sticking. So i have slapped grease all over everything, operated the boot a few dozen times. And touch wood it seems to be working. No damage caused to me or the car. Im going to leave the back panel off till next week in case it decides to stop working again.....