Stage star Rhys in the running

Date published: 21 October 2011

JUSTIN Bieber had better watch his back — there’s a new kid on the block out to steal his crown, say his fans.

All singing and dancing star Rhys Yeomans (13) has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

The Hulme Grammar School pupil played Billy Elliott in the musical for a year in London — after auditioning against thousand of boys for the prestigious part.

But the youngster said performing to crowds at his school in Werneth earlier this year was much more nerve-wracking.

One person, from Shaw, who nominated Rhys wished to remain anonymous, but said: “Rhys is so talented. My husband and I went to see him in ‘Billy Elliott’ when we read about him in the Chronicle and he was absolutely fabulous. He will be a big star one day.

“He really deserves to win a Pride in Oldham award, it’s so nice to hear good things happening with youngsters these days.”

Rhys’s proud mother Joanne said: “He’ll be really chuffed to hear he’s been nominated. I don’t want to sound biased but he really is talented. Acting is his passion and I’m so proud of him.”

Development director at the school, Zenos Christo, said he was not surprised to hear Rhys had been nominated, calling him a “brilliant talent”.