LIFELONG Freddie Mercury fan Gary Mullen brings his One Night Of Queen tribute show to the Grand Opera House, York, on Saturday night.

Always a keen singer, Mullen began his Mercury act in 2000 when his wife and his mother secretly applied to the Granada television show Stars In Their Eyes on his behalf. Mullen duly won the overall Live Grand Final, polling 864,838 votes, more than double the runner-up, as he set the all-time record for votes on the talent show.

Mullen went on to feature in the Stars In Their Eyes video, CD and book and has represented Britain on Euro Stars In Their Eyes. He started touring on his own and in 2002 formed The Works to pay tribute to rock legends Queen and Mercury in particular.

Subsequently, One Night Of Queen has gone from strength to strength as Mullen leads one of the hardest-working bands in the land. For the past five years, they have averaged more than 150 shows per year , and having conquered Britain, Europe, the United States and New Zealand, Mullen is looking to explore new opportunities in South America, Asia and Australia.

In a career highlight, Mullen was invited by guitarist Brian May to attend a Queen & Paul Rodgers show in Cardiff and was thrilled to be introduced to May backstage afterwards. Tickets for Saturday's 7.30pm show are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york.