TV role for Northleach 'Elvis' (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

TV role for Northleach 'Elvis'

ELVIS impersonator Richard Dyson is all shook up after crooning his way into a television role.

The 43-year-old Northleach firefighter and town councillor has just finished filming for a new AOL advert promoting Broadband.

He beat off 50 other hopefuls to get the role during a screen test in January.

Richard said: "I entered the Best Elvis in Europe competition, then I had to do a screen test in full costume singing a verse of Love Me Tender.

"I felt great knowing I had been chosen along with several others to take part. It's something you dream about."

The filming took place at Blackpool Pier and will feature alongside three other scenarios shot in Scotland, Wales and Mexico.

Lifelong Elvis fan Richard, whose favourite hits are The Wonder of You and Suspicious Minds, has only been impersonating the star for two years.

He said: "For as long as I can remember Elvis has always been a part of me. I heard the news that he had died on August 16 1977 when I came back from my local pub, the Red Lion. It left me numb. Elvis was a legend in his own lifetime.

"I first started impersonating Elvis in March 2002. I was given an Elvis part to play in a version of Stars In Their Eyes at the Westwoods Centre in Northleach. It was then that I had my first suit made in black and gold."

Now Richard is well know for his Elvis tribute gigs in across the Cotswolds.

He said: "I don't suffer from nerves, I just get up there and do it, and when people say I sound like the King that's a compliment."

In between performances Richard can still be heard singing to himself. He added: "I tend to sing all the time whether it's at work or socially, and I sometimes go to see other Elvis performers to pick up a few pointers for my own show."

A date has yet to be fixed to screen the AOL advert, but eager fans can book Richard by calling him on 0777 3672 391.