A YOUNG singer from Newport is set for the biggest day of his life this weekend when he shares centre stage with Tom Jones.

Gafyn Cromwell, 23, of St Julians, and his bilingual pop act DV8, will support the superstar at his homecoming gig in Pontypridd in front of 25,000 fans at Ponty Park on Saturday.

The former pupil at St Julians Comprehensive has been a performer since his days in school plays and the Steps tribute band he formed while working behind the bar at the Zanzibar nightclub in Newport.

He said: "I have always loved singing, dancing and performing, which is quite unlike the rest of my family.

"I think I'm a bit of a black sheep really but my mum and my sister have been really supportive. My mum couldn't believe it when I told her Tom Jones had asked us to support him."

Gafyn, who went through gruelling auditions to win a place in the band a year ago, loves the experience but he has not found it to be a completely positive one.

"Some of my friends turned quite negative about the whole thing, which was pretty devastating to be honest.

"But I still love going back at every opportunity to see my family. Newport seems to be really progressing.

"I would really like to go back to Newport with the group and do some shows."

Tickets for Saturday are priced at £32.50 and can be only be purchased through CIA Box Office on 029 20224488, Ticketline UK on 0870066779, Muni Arts on 01443485934, or Ticketmaster on 08704000688.