Our Rising Red Rose star Amy-Jo revels in Rick role

Before the 1980s pop music legend Rick Astley takes to the stage of Preston Guild Hall on Saturday night keep an eye – and an ear – out for the young teenager picked as his supporting act.

Lancashire lass Amy-Jo Clough is a rising star, and a name to remember.

She may even be a face you recall, since it was on the Guild Hall stage just five years ago – when she was only 13 – that she took her first steps to fame, winning the venue’s Search For a Star final.

Since then the 17-year-old soul and country singer, who hails from Lancaster and went to Carnforth High School, has performed alongside The Vamps, Union J and Little Nikki; been the support act for Alexander O’Neal and Heaven 17; and sung alongside Pixie Lott, Union J, George Ezra and Little Mix at Blackpool Illuminations.

Amy-Jo released her EP Innocence last summer and has a fast-growing army of followers on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, among them Harry Styles’ mum!

The talented singer-songwriter plays piano and guitar, and writes songs about love, boys, high school and everyday life.

When she’s not busy with her music, Amy-Jo puts her dancing and acting skills to use, working as a choreographer for pantomimes at Lancaster Grand Theatre and taking on roles such as Sandy in Grease and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors.

Amy-Jo is delighted to be making a return to Preston Guild Hall, and even more delighted to be supporting one of the 80s top pop stars.

Upon hearing the

“Oh my goodness! I’m so excited to announce that I’m supporting Rick Astley!

“Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down”.”

Astley, who will also be supported by 80s chart-toppers China Crisis, will be singing Never Gonna Give You Up and other hits when he makes his debut in Preston.

The song was the UK’s best-selling single of 1987 and topped the UK chart for five weeks, the Billboard Hot 100 for two and ruled in 14 other countries.

Rick Astley plays at Preston Guild Hall on Saturday May 30 with China Crisis and Amy-Jo Clough.

Tickets still available for £29 plus booking fee.

Call 01772 804444 or visit: www.prestonguildhall.com