Uniform ban on singing soldiers

UNIFORM ban . . . (from left) Ryan, Richie and Gary

SINGING servicemen The Soldiers were banned from wearing uniforms at the Royal Variety Performance last night.

The trio, who include Sgt Richie Maddocks from Oldham, were ordered by the MoD to wear civvies to sing the National Anthem in front of the Queen.

The show was recorded at Blackpool’s Opera House yesterday and will be shown on ITV next Wednesday.

But they were told that they can’t wear their military regalia for “secondary jobs” ahead of yesterday’s release of their new single “A Soldier’s Christmas”.

Former North Chadderton School pupil Sgt Maddocks (37), Sgt Major Gary Chilton (41) and Trooper Ryan Idzi (24) have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Their album “Coming Home” went straight into the charts at No 4 and is currently at No 15.

Part of the proceeds go to charities including Help For Heroes, the British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed: “When they perform they’re earning money. Nobody is allowed to use the Queen’s uniform for that.”