WITH twinkling eyes, a dazzling smile and a personality to match, it's hard to understand why Damian Matthews is "going through hell and back" on the Atkins Diet.

The 22-year-old singer has been described in The Stage as "undoubtedly having female appeal and a voice to die for" - yet despite this he's been ordered by his management to ditch the pounds.

"It's a fickle industry, but I am a big bloke and I understand that at the end of the day I'm a product which I'm trying to sell so I've got to try and look as good as possible," said Damian, of Meadow Bank Drive, St John's, Worcester.

But being on a diet and enjoying it are too entirely different things for Damian who will perform at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury tonight in the music show Red Hot Chartbusters.

"I started the diet just after Christmas and have lost over a stone, but it's really tough," he said.

"I'm a bread-aholic, so not being able to eat any is driving me mad, plus when I've finished performing and it's 3am in the morning it's hard to find a meal that fits into the diet."

And Damian chuckles when quizzed about his apparent appeal to the ladies. "I'm not so sure about that," he laughed, confessing he had just been dumped by his girlfriend.

"It was the same old story, she got bored of me I'm afraid," he said.

"In all seriousness, it's hard holding down a relationship in this industry as you're on the road a lot and working when other people are out socialising.

"My friends are really important to me, though, and they understand if I can't be around."

For Damian, performing is something that comes naturally - in fact he made his debut aged just five - and women have also helped his passion for music.

"We went on a family holiday and a DJ announced the equipment wasn't working so could someone sing a song," explained Damian.

"As I was only five I didn't know any better so got up and sang my heart out, that's when I got my first kiss and thought: 'There's definitely something good about this!' From there I've never looked back really."

From belting out tunes stood on the classroom table to impress his friends to joining the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Society (WODYS) and performing on stages across the county, Damian says he has always known he wants to be a star.

So he was delighted when he landed a role in Red Hot Chartbusters, although going on tour with the show has meant he's had to drop out of college before qualifying.

"I felt like it wasn't an opportunity I could turn down," he said.

"And anyway, I know people who have finished the course and are extremely talented but are working in a fish and chip shop because they can't get any work, so when it comes along you should grab it with both hands."

The show features an eclectic mix of some of the best chart-topping hits spanning the 1960s and 70s, brilliant sparkly costumes and a smattering of comedy moments and impressions.

The evening will cover hits from musical veterans such as Bill Haley, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Boney M through to the 1970s disco titans Sister Sledge, Rose Royce, Donna Summer and Abba.

"I'm biased but I think it's a great show," said Damian. And even if he finds himself being a singleton at the moment, at least he'll be able to get in touch with his feminine side.

"I have to dress up as Tina Turner in the second half," he said. "But I don't mind - playing rugby has given me nice thighs that give Tina a good run for her money!"

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets, which cost £12.50, can be bought by calling the theatre's box office on 01684 295074.