A NEWPORT man is set to take to the stage in the bright lights of Blackpool this summer as his idol Michael Bublé.

Singer Rickie Arthur, 22, of Somerton Road, Lliswerry, is signed up with Pleasure Beach Management to perform Bublé Fever' in Blackpool venues from July.

He was spotted last year performing as a lead singer of a Take That tribute band and was asked to sing in the guise of Canadian crooner Michael Bublé.

Mr Arthur said: “They told me that I looked and sounded like Michael Bublé, which was a huge compliment as I’m a big fan. Learning the songs was no problem as I knew most of them already.”

Mr Arthur started performing at the Dolman Theatre at the age of 15 and is a graded singer, actor, dancer and choreographer after spending three years at Burleigh College.

Originally from Cwmbran, he attended Llantarnam Comprehensive.

During his time singing Gary Barlow's role in a Take That tribute band he performed more than 300 gigs with all over the UK and Europe.

His stint at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is from July to November, where he will perform hits such as Cry Me a River, Haven’t Met You Yet, Fly Me to the Moon, Me and Mrs Jones and Mack the Knife.

Before he leaves for Blackpool, Mr Arthur wants to perform a gig in his home city for a local charity.