AN ABERTILLERY man is preparing to share the Eurovision stage with Irish act Jedward when he supports them as a backing singer.

Julian Edwards has been busy rehearsing in Dublin with the famous twins, who are known for their spikey hair and crazy antics, for their performance at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Mr Edwards, who is one of four backing singers for the Ireland entry, flies out to Azerbaijan on Saturday ready for the semi final on May 22.

Jedward, who also represented Ireland last year and came eighth in the contest, will be performing the song Waterline.

Mr Edwards said :"It's been incredibly fun working with the boys. They work really hard and we've had so much fun.

"They're very talented and design all their own costumes. They're great singers and I think they will get a huge amount of attention."

The former Abertillery Comprehensive School pupil said he has always secretly wanted to do Eurovision and jumped at the chance of being involved.

Mr Edwards regularly returns home to Wales, which he calls his "sanctuary", to see his parents and other family members who now live in Blaina.

He was involved in Abertillery Youth Drama and went on to study at the London School of Musical Theatre before touring the world as a singer with Riverdance.

Mr Edwards was also involved in the musical ensemble Celtic Woman which took him to Japan and America and has recently been working as a production co-ordinator in London.

He said has has always primarily been a singer but his long term goal is to produce theatre.

The Eurovision Song Contest starts on May 22 on BBC1.