AN ACTOR from Bury rubbed shoulders with the stars after being cast for the latest Mamma Mia! film.

Professional musical theatre performer Aaron Parker, who hails from Brandlesholme, had the opportunity of a lifetime when he was asked to feature in the hit romantic comedy alongside Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and other stars.

The 29-year-old's history with the Abba movie dates back to 2011 when he was cast in the stage musical Mamma Mia!

Then, in 2008, he had the opportunity to work with the creative team for the first film in 2008.

A successful audition at Pineapple Studios in London saw him cast as a member of the ensemble for the sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Aaron said: "I've had an absolute blast.

"The audition was so much fun and really upbeat, just like the film, using tonnes of entertainment.

"I was absolutely thrilled when I got the phone call to say I had the job."

West End star Aaron filmed the opening sequence, 'When I Kissed the Teacher', on location at Oxford University in August last year, working with director Ol Parker and actress Lily James, who plays the young Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

Further filming took place in October 2017, when Aaron had the chance to work with Cher, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Julia Walters, Lily James and every other principle in the film.

The finale, 'Super Trouper', was shot at Shepperton Studios in London.

Aaron's enviable career also saw him join the cast of Mamma Mia on their world tour between 2013 and 2015.

His first experience of musical theatre in London's West End was with National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) at the age of just 14.

When he was 18, Aaron moved to London to train at Laine Theatre Arts, one of the industry's most prestige colleges for training in musical theatre.

Aaron said: "My family have been so supportive from the get go.

"I started out as an actor when I was just seven, joining a drama class in Bury, then joining Gillian Garvey’s School of Dance in Tottington.

"I had a secret lesson at the age of 14, in true Billy Elliot style.

"I literally wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from my family, and I’m forever grateful."

Dancing runs in Aaron's family; he has an older sister who owns a dance school in Bury, and a niece who attends Debra Simmons School Of Dance in Ramsbottom.

Aaron is also the director and founder of Rhythm Nation Events, a new platform for young performers.

He said: "Rhythm Nation gives young people the chance to excel, to perform, and work with industry professionals.

"I’m excited to see the talented rising stars of the future. It’s my way of giving back as there was a lack of opportunities around when I was young."