From fan to star: Ryan joins Boyzlife for surprise duet

Music fan Ryan from Market Harborough had a dream come true when he was pulled on stage to sing along with two boy band legends at his first ever concert.

Ryan, 39, fulfilled one of his greatest wishes when he went to see Boyzlife – made up of former Boyzone star Keith Duffy and Westlife singer Brian McFadden – at De Montford Hall in Leicester.

And when the pair spotted Ryan in the front row, dancing and singing along on his microphone, they asked him to join them on stage to belt out the classic tune ‘Words.’

Ryan, who wore his Boyzlife t shirt to the gig, said: “It was a once in a lifetime experience.

“One minute I was singing along on my microphone and the next I was on the big stage in front of all these people.

“It was a huge surprise. I was very proud to be up there singing with them and had a great time.

“It was my first ever concert and I can’t believe what happened.

“After I had been on stage lots of people came up to me and said how well I had done.

“The security guard even shook my hand and called me a superstar.”

Ryan, who is supported by learning disability charity Hft, has always been a huge fan of boy bands with Boyzone, Westlife and Take That among his favourites.

His bedroom at his home is covered in posters of boy bands.

He is now planning another gig – this time to watch a Michael Jackson tribute.

In his spare time, Ryan is part of Hft’s On Your Doorstep theatre group and recently performed as Danny from the musical Grease at Harborough Theatre.

He also likes going to the cinema and watching telly at home.

Ryan was accompanied to the concert by Kathryn Varnsverry, Hft’s Service Manager at his supported living accommodation in Market Harborough.

Kathryn said: “As soon as Ryan found out about the concert, he knew he had to go.

“He took his microphone with him and sung along to every song and when Keith and Brian spotted him they invited him on stage to sing with them. 

“This has absolutely made his year.

“He has been speaking about being on stage with Boyzlife ever since.

“He did so well on the stage getting the crowd to join in and he got a massive cheer at the end of this.

“I’m very happy he got to have this moment as it is a dream come true. Ryan loves boy bands and for him to experience being part of one for this concert was incredible. I’m so proud of how well he did.”