A performer from Hythe, who won a BBC talent contest led by Gary Barlow, has been cast in a new show based on the hit songs of ABBA.

AJ Bentley rose to fame after appearing on the TV show Let It Shine in 2017 as part of the boyband Five to Five.

The 24-year-old singer then toured the country performing in a new musical called The Band, a show featuring Take That's biggest hits.

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The tour ended in a West End run earlier this year, and also had stints at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and Dartford's the Orchard Theatre.

But the singer, who has a 12,000 strong fan base, tweeted his latest news yesterday: "From Take That to ABBA!

"I’m very excited to be playing the role of Adam in ‘Mamma Mia - The Party’, an immersive dining experience, which opens at the O2 Arena in London on September 19th!

"I hope to see some of you there partying with us!"

Mamma Mia! - the Party is pitched as 'an exciting new theatrical and dining experience, opening at The O2 in summer 2019'.

The event invites guests to eat, drink and dance along to ABBA's best-known hits in a styled Greek taverna, with performers weaving through the audience.

It initially premiered in Stockholm in January 2016 to rave reviews and sold out audiences.

The former Brockhill Park pupil released his EP ‘Beyond The Clouds’ last year.

Speaking to the KM Group last year, Mr Bentley said: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind but what I have always dreamed of having.”

“I have been to shows at the Marlowe as a kid so to be able to come back and perform myself is great.

“I get to share what I have been doing with family and friends. Everyone in the Hythe area has been so supportive. It is just nice to come back and share what I have been doing and what they voted for.

“Take That are all just a fount of knowledge. For years they have been wanting to get a musical on their music so for them this is their perfect outcome. They are very happy with the band too – luckily for me! It has worked out perfectly for them.”

For further details on Mamma Mia! - the Party, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe.

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