SAM'S TV DATE

Sam Kingston-Jones, 12, was selected from 25,000 hopefuls to act in the stage premiere of The Little Prince at the Royal Opera House, in aid of Children in Need.

Sam, of London Road, said: "It was amazing - I met lots of famous people. And I'm really excited about seeing myself on TV."

Big names in the BBC2 show include Lesley Garrett, Aled Jones and Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

Thousands of children auditioned for the BBC Talent project, with only 37 making it to the final stage.

Sam joined the other talented youngsters at a two-week summer school, recording at Abbey Road Studios and filming session at the BBC Three Mills Studios in East London.

Family friend Sharon Sellens said: "We are all very proud of Sam. He was to have been appearing as Fred McCracken in Annie at the White Rock, but had to pull out at the 11th hour because of the call up to the BBC - not something many people can boast!"

Sam, a Claremont pupil, is also a singing student of Jenny Miller and studies jazz clarinet and piano under Rob Leake and Helen Ridout.

He is no stranger to the stage, being a regular winner of speech and singing competitions in the Hastings Festival.

Sam first performed solo at the age of six, when he opened a carol service in Battle Church, and has since been guest soloist at Opera South East's Christmas concert and other events, including Brighton Arts Festival. He loves R&B as well as classical music, but dreams of one day becoming a high-flying barrister.

Sam said: "My main plan is to keep on singing as a hobby. I'm passionate about singing."

The Little Prince is on BBC2 November 27 at 7.30pm. The making of the show can be seen on Blue Peter on Wednesday.