2:14pm Tuesday 2nd September 2008
AN Elvis impersonator from Weymouth is all shook up after being chosen to support a fellow King tribute act - over in the USA.
Presley-crazy Darren Hammond will open up for Doug Church - dubbed the voice of Elvis' - at a special gig in Atco, New Jersey on September 19.
Doug's manager Pat Schaller offered to fly talented entertainer Darren - known as Darren H in showbiz circles - over for the show after listening to his work online.
Dad-of-two Darren, 35, said: "Initially I thought it was one of my mates in the business playing a joke on me. I still can't quite believe it, I'm pinching myself. I have been such a big fan of Doug for 10 years.
"I never thought in my wildest dreams I'd ever get to meet him, let alone perform with him."
Darren, from Chickerell, has been singing and impersonating Elvis and other stars - including Buddy Holly, Robbie Williams and Cliff Richard - since he was 17.
During his career he has transformed himself into a fully-fledged martial artist - like Elvis himself who was a black belt in karate - to add further authenticity to his act.
Darren's talents have landed him spots on TV shows including The Big Breakfast and he featured twice as John Travolta on Italian show Film Icons.
His link-up with Doug arose after he contacted the star's manager Pat regarding the organising of a major Elvis convention, which subsequently fell through.
Pat checked out samples of Darren's handiwork on his website - and was so impressed he offered him the New Jersey gig.
Darren said: "It's shot me into the limelight a bit already and I've got bookings coming out of my ears. I'm hoping this is going to be something of a launch pad for me. I've waited a long time for something like this.
"Pat is flying me over for the show and paying me, but I'm really not fussed about the money, it's just phenomenal for me. I literally can't wait."
Darren will be joined on his five-day USA jaunt by good pal and fellow Elvis imitator Jim Santana, from Yorkshire.
He is going to record the show so Darren's wife Sarah and sons Jacob and Luke can watch him in action when he returns home to Weymouth.
Darren will also appear alongside Doug Church again in November - on this side of the Atlantic, at Westlands in Yeovil.
He added: "I'm now helping to promote Doug over here. Every show he does in the United Kingdom or Europe I will open for him, which is a massive honour.
"And next year we're hoping to do a mini tour, with the backing band Red Alert, of all the big theatres.
"It's all very exciting."
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