A NEWPORT boy will be starring in a stage musical alongside former EastEnders actress Samantha Womack next month after impressing in previous shows.

Rico Scarpato, seven, of Hoskins Street, will play the part of Jerome in the UK theatre tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific when it comes to the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, from April 17 to April 28.

Rico impressed when he played the same part at the Bristol Hippodrome in November.

His mum, Josie said: “Rico had such a brilliant time at the Bristol Hippodrome.

“He can’t wait to do it all again. He just loved every minute.”

The St Michael’s RC Primary pupil will star alongside Miss Womack, who played Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders.

She is now playing the lead role of Nellie in the musical.

Ms Scarpato said: “He loved meeting Samantha Womack, who has several scenes with him including the final scene.

“When we all met up with her after the first performance, Samantha said Rico was brilliant.

“Rico is so excited to be working with her and all the cast again.

“They were all so lovely to him.”

Other members of the cast in the musical include Welsh baritone Jason Howard and another former EastEnders actor Alex Ferns.

Rico has also starred in an advert for probiotic drink Actimel in the past.

He was also named a South Wales Argus Christmas cutie in 2008 and won our Picture Power competition in the five to ten years old category last year.

The Argus reported last year how his younger sister Alexa was also following in his footsteps starring in BBC drama Shirley Bassey: A Very British Diva at the age of four.

To book, visit wmc.org.uk or call 02920 636464.