A 12-year-old York boy may have the chance to perform on a West End stage after he impressed the casting agents of London show Thriller.

Grant Langworthy, of Strensall, narrowly missed out on the part of the young Michael Jackson in the long-running show.

But he did so well in audition that he has been placed on stand-by in case the boy who did win the role has to drop out for any reason.

“I think he has been amazing,” said his father, Nigel. “I have no theatrical skills whatsoever; I don’t know where he gets it from. He has done very well.”

Grant got the chance to go for the part through Stagecoach performing arts school, which he attends on Saturdays. He had to attend three auditions in London where he sang songs from Michael Jackson’s early career, when he was a member of the Jackson Five.