Forget Ronan Keating and Robbie Williams - there's a new kid on the block.

Teenager Fred Jenkins is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the two boyband singers after he won a place in what could be the new BoyZone.

Fred, of Tolleshunt Major, near Maldon, got his big break while performing in a show for Children In Need at the New Empire Theatre in Southend earlier this year.

The 16-year-old, was spotted by showbiz agent Maggie Roberts, who decided he was perfect material for the latest boy band Boys 2K.

Fred, of Brick House Road, has already performed at several top London venues, including the Dominion Theatre for an audience including Michael Barrymore and Baby Spice Emma Bunton, and at the Millennium Dome.

And on Good Friday Boys 2K play the Circus Tavern and there are lots more shows and recordings in the pipeline including a Christmas spectacular.

Fred, whose two older sisters once sang in a London-based group, was educated at St Nicholas School in Tolleshunt D'Arcy and at the Thurstable School in Tiptree. The other three members of Boys 2K come from the Basildon area.

He admits he hasn't yet cashed in on his new-found fame but expects to do so shortly. And he doesn't see much of his former schoolmates.

"I don't have a chance because I'm out every night."

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