Darius Campbell has landed his first major opera role as he appears centre-stage in a new production of Carmen at London's O2 Arena.

The singer - who first found fame in Popstars and bounced back to try his hand at Pop Idol - will take the principal role of toreador Escamillo in the production, albeit a one-off performance.

Darius, who changed his name from Danesh, recently made his first move into opera by winning ITV's Popstar To Operastar series.

He will star in the show for the last day of its three performance run - which features more than 200 performers including dancers, acrobats and fire eaters - at the venue.

The production will be the first ever opera at the south east London venue.

TV talent show star Darius Campbell has landed his first major opera role as he appears centre-stage in a new production of Carmen at London's O2 Arena.

The singer - who first found fame in Popstars and bounced back to try his hand at Pop Idol - will take the principal role of toreador Escamillo in the production, albeit a one-off performance.

The production will be the first ever opera at the south east London venue.

Campbell, who changed his name from Danesh, recently made his first move into opera by winning ITV's Popstar To Operastar series.

He will star in the show for the last day of its three performance run - which features more than 200 performers including dancers, acrobats and fire eaters - at the venue.

Darius commented: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding.

"This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started."

The show has been created by impresario Raymond Gubbay who said: "I watched Darius's progress on Popstar to Operastar with great interest.

"To move from pop to opera is hugely ambitious but I know Darius' passion and dedication to this project will result in a very fine performance as Escamillo."

The opera will be sung in English, and Carmen will be played by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole.

The opera will be staged from May 21 to 23, with Campbell starring in an afternoon performance on the final day.

Pop star turned opera star Darius Campbell will be taking the lead in role in the first opera to be staged at The O2.

Campbell, formerly known as Darius Danesh when he competed on the X Factor, will play Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen, which opens at the arena next month.

The singer, who won the recent ITV show Popstar to Operastar during which he sang the Toreador Song from the opera, will appear in the final show on May 23.

He was pleased to have won the role in the Raymond Gubbay production.

He said: "It's an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding.

"This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started. It will no doubt be an incredible experience for all concerned, both cast and audience."

The O2 production will be sung in English, with the principal roles shared by Cristina Nassif and Louise Poole as Carmen, John Hudson and Philip O'Brien as Don Jose, while Campbell will share the Escamillo role with Kevin Greenlaw.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Guy Hancock, will provide the musical backing.

Carmen is at The O2 between May 21-23. Tickets are available from theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

He found fame with his cringe-worthy rendition of Britney Spears's Baby One More Time on ITV show Popstars in 2001. And when his resulting pop career waned, he reinvented himself as a West End star.

Now, after winning ITV's Popstar to Operastar, Darius Campbell has landed his first major operatic role as the lead in Carmen at the O2 arena.

The 29-year-old singer, who has changed his name from Darius Danesh to reflect his Scottish roots, will play Escamillo the toreador in a one-off performance next month.

Classical music promoter Raymond Gubbay's production of Carmen involves 200 performers, including dancers, acrobats, fire-eaters and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Campbell's first single Colourblind and debut album Dive In topped the charts in 2002, but his follow-up album Live Twice only reached number 36. But he made something of a comeback when he landed the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago for two runs in 2005 and 2006, played Sky Masterson in Guys And Dolls in 2007 and Rhett Butler in the musical adaptation of Gone With The Wind in 2008.

This year he won Popstar to Operastar, during which he performed the aria Song Of The Toreador from Carmen.

He said: “It's an absolute privilege to undertake the role of Escamillo in Carmen, one of the most famous operas in history. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Popstar to Operastar and learning the discipline of opera was tough but hugely rewarding. This opportunity, however, takes it to the next level and I cannot wait to get started.”

Gubbay said: “I watched Darius's progress on Popstar to Operastar with great interest. To move from pop to opera is hugely ambitious but I know Darius's passion and dedication to this project will result in a very fine performance as Escamillo. We will be fully supporting him in his crossover into the classical music sphere.”

Producers of the show are promising a lavish affair, with extravagant sets and special effects. Bizet's score will be sung in English.

It is on for three nights from May 21-23, with Darius performing on the third night.

HE turned from pop star to opera star.

Now Scots’ hunk Darius Campbell will headline the Burns an’ a’ That festival.

The reality TV star is heading to Ayr as part of a star-studded line up to honour the Bard.

Organisers have scheduled four days of entertainment at the Town Hall for the ninth annual festival.

X Factor finalists Olly Murs, Jamie Archer, Stacey Solomon and Lucie Jones will also appear.

And promoters insist the festival, which this year carries a slimline look, will be the most spectacular to date.

Liz Hobbs, CEO of the Liz Hobbs Group, said: “We have produced the festival for the past three years and have been delighted watching it grow.

“We are thrilled to present another vibrant and exciting programme of events for the whole of Scotland to enjoy, and Ayrshire to be proud of.

“We have been trying for two years to bring Darius home and we’re absolutely delighted it’s at a time when he is once again enjoying such amazing success.

“This year’s programme highlights culture from around the world and showcases the very best work from local Scottish artists – at least one night out at the festival is essential.”

Darius, winner of the ITV show which turned former pop singers into opera stars, will perform at the grand finale night.

The platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and West End stage actor rose to fame in 2002 after finishing third on the talent show Pop Idol.

On Friday, May 28, four of the X Factor’s star names will rock the Town Hall – but there’s no place on the bill for Irish twins Jedward.

It’s believed that a deal for the controversial Dublin duo fell through at the last minute.

Traditional Scots’ acts Shooglenifty, The Wherries, Haggerdash Folk and renowned fiddler Alistair McCulloch will all perform at the festival.

And the finale will feature the Pokey Hats, comedian Geoff Boyz, Wolfstone and Darius.

South Ayrshire council’s Graham Peterkin, chair of the Burns festival board, said: “The festival continues to develop and I am immensely proud that it is now recognised as the largest arts and cultural festival in the West of Scotland.

“It’s an accolade it richly deserves, building on last year’s success in the Year of Homecoming and expanding the reach and appeal of the Bard to more people every year.

“As a man of the people, Burns would have loved this, as his legacy will reach an increasingly diverse and appreciative audience in town and country alike, mirroring his own approach to his work.

“I look forward to local residents and visitors to South Ayrshire equally enjoying and supporting the Festival as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Event programmes will be available from early April.

For the latest information and ticket details, visit www.burnsfestival.com