LIFELONG Freddie Mercury fan Gary Mullen performs One Night Of Queen with his band The Works at the Grand Opera House, York, on June 2 at 7.30pm.

Mullen's career as a Freddie tribute act began in 2000 when his wife and his mother secretly applied to Stars In Their Eyes on his behalf. He duly won the Live Grand Final, polling 864,838 votes, more than double the runner-up attracted, as he set an all-time record for votes on the Granada TV show. He went on to feature in the Stars in Their Eyes video, CD and book and has represented Britain on Euro Stars In Their Eyes.

Since creating One Night Of Queen and forming The Works in 2002, Mullen has seen his act rise to playing more than 150 shows a year for the past five years in Britain, Europe, the United States and New Zealand. Now he is looking to explore new opportunities in South America, Asia and Australia in the near future.

When Mullen was invited by Brian May to attend a Queen & Paul Rodgers show in Cardiff, he was introduced to the Queen guitarist backstage after the show, rendering him speechless from all the excitement of this meeting.

He has recorded an album of original material with long-term song writing partner Barry Kelly, entitled Blood, Sweat and Beers, and away from his musical commitments he keeps himself in shape by lifting weights on the road and practising yoga.

Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 3024 and at atgtickets.com/york