APPEARING as a warm-up act for superstar Robbie Williams in front of 16,000 people at a major concert venue – that’s the exciting prospect that awaits a rising Basingstoke star this weekend.

Ryan Upton discovered on Tuesday that he will warm-up the audience at the LG Arena in Birmingham, before Robbie performs on stage on Saturday.

The 21-year-old former Brighton Hill Community School pupil has been given a 30-minute slot at the show, which is part of Robbie’s Swings Both Ways international tour. The former Take That singer is touring the UK in July before heading to Australia in September.

Ryan, from South Ham, entered a competition run by View My Gig, which was looking for unsigned artists to support Robbie at the LG Arena.

Hundreds entered, and Ryan received the call to say he was one of just three who had been selected to perform a 30-minute slot ahead of Robbie’s show, after judges were impressed with his version of Robbie’s She’s the One.

Ryan, who has been a support act for Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jordan O’Keefe, said: “I was speechless but excited at the same time. I’m getting a bit nervous now. I haven’t got that much time to get something together. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”

He added: “I’m a huge fan of Robbie Williams, I love the guy. It will be incredible to meet him.

“I have never met any of my idols and he’s one of my idols so to meet him and support him is amazing.”

Ryan is now working hard to prepare his set and plans to perform a cover of John Legend’s All of Me, some Sam Smith hits as well as the song which secured him the gig – She’s the One.

He said: “There were hundreds of people who entered so I didn’t think I would win. But to find out I’m supporting Robbie, in front of that many people is amazing.”