A Kent performer, who won a BBC talent contest led by Gary Barlow, is having to miss the opening of his new show after breaking his hand.

AJ Bentley is starring as Adam in Mamma Mia! The Party, which is opening at The O2 in London this weekend.

But during a dress rehearsal AJ, from Hythe, slipped and fractured his hand.

It means, for the time being, he will not be able to perform in the production, described as a 'theatrical and dining experience'.

Posting on Instagram stories to his 22k followers, the singer and dancer said: "Yesterday we had our first dress run of Mamma Mia! The Party with an audience.

"So we got to invite some close friends and family to watch the show for the very first time.

"It was all going well until the end of act two and then I slipped and I've broken my hand.

"So just a heads up if anyone is coming to see the show over the next few weeks, there's a high chance I won't be on.

"You'll still have a fab (sic) time I just won't be there."

He promised to let his fans know when he will be back.

AJ, 24, also posted a picture of an X-ray of his hand - which shows a clear break to his middle finger.

The actor also tweeted the news to his 12k fans on Twitter.

AJ, who attended Instep Dance Company based at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College, rose to fame in 2017 after winning music competition TV show Let It Shine - judged by Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue and Martin Kemp - as part of the boyband Five to Five.

He went onto to tour the country performing in a new musical called The Band, a show featuring Take That's biggest hits.

He has also released his own EP album, Beyond The Clouds.

His news yesterday was received with an outpouring of sympathy.

Dan Wootton, who presents entertainment news on ITV's Lorraine, said: "Nooo. So gutted. Get better my man."

Another Twitter user said: "Rotten luck AJ...so sorry to hear this and sending best wishes for a full and quick recovery."

Mamma Mia! The Party initially premiered in Stockholm in January 2016 to rave reviews and sold out audiences.

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

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe

For ideas on days out and things to do, head to our What’s On section