CRICKETER turned model Justin Manville has his sights set on yet another high profile career - and he has the backing of some of the biggest names in pop as he plans to take the charts by storm.

Hunky Justin, 21, of Langber Farm, near Earby, hit the headlines last year as boyfriend of Hollyoaks actress and former girlfriend of Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, Davinia Murphy.

But even though that relationship hit the rocks in a blaze of publicity, Justin has kept his career going with major modelling contracts in Dublin.

And while he has been in Ireland, he has impressed none other than Boyzone manager Louis Walsh and rock star Chris de Burgh with his talents as a singer songwriter.

Now, former Yorkshire cricketer Justin plans to come back to his home town for his first live performance on his route to pop super-stardom.

His dad, David, himself a former professional cricketer and footballer, said: "I've always thought it was a shame that Justin and Davinia didn't kiss and make-up after they fell out, but that's life.

"Since then, Justin has kept quite a low profile in Dublin and has met up with Chris de Burgh and Louis Walsh, who have really encouraged him in his pop career.

"He is coming home after Easter with his girlfriend, who is a top Irish model. While he is here is going to perform in his brother's pub in Colne."

Justin has already appeared in TV's Hollyoaks, played bass in Oasis-style band Red Lane and is currently working on a major acting role for Channel Four, but his dad says his heart lies with music.

He will play his first live gig at the Admiral Lord Rodney, Waterside, Colne, on Thursday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.