BOTTESFORD youngster Connor Kelly has started his starring role in the West End production of Billy Elliot.

Connor Kelly, 11, is playing the part of Billy's best friend, Michael, in the London show.

As reported in the Scunthorpe Telegraph, he won the role in September and moved to the capital for intensive rehearsals a month later.

His big moment came last Tuesday, when he stepped onto the stage at the Victoria Palace Theatre, to perform for a sell-out crowd for the first time in a rolling six-month contract.

Connor said he was enjoying the role.

"It is absolutely brilliant," he said.

"Training is tiring but it is all worth it.

"I was a bit nervous to start with but at the same time, excited."

Connor said his favourite part of the show was a scene called Express Yourself.

He said: "It is a scene with a song and then a big tap number."

And he said being in the show had improved his skills.

"My tap has really, really improved and so has my confidence."

Connor is leading a double life at the moment, playing Michael in London for a week at a time before returning home for three-day breaks.

He is continuing to attend Frederick Gough School while back in North Lincolnshire.

"I went back to school on Wednesday," he said.

"It was a bit strange to get back into the routine but it was all right."

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