A FORMER Newent student has appeared on ITV's This Morning playing the drums for Britain's Got Talent finalist Gabz.

Luke Campbell, 18, left Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre back in August after taking his A levels and is currently studying at Brighton Institute of Modern Music.

He was selected from 25 drummers at the music college by a music agency that were appealing for a drummer to play for the Britain's Got Talent finalist, Gabz, as she performed her recent single 'Lie There'.

He explained: "About a week before the performance, a music agency rang my music college saying that they needed a drummer under the age of 20 to play for Gabz on This Morning. The college sent them a list of 25 drummers to choose from and they picked me.

"As for the band we had never played or even met each other until the day of the show. However, it only took one rehearsal before we got the all clear to play."

Despite his TV appearance, Luke's feet are still firmly on the ground. He is currently rehearsing with 15 different bands to increase his chances of performing at one of the end of term concerts organised by his college and held at venues in Brighton.

He added: "I'm playing piano for four bands, singing for one band and playing drums for 11. It may seem like a lot but it's a great way to build a name for myself." 

Head of music at Newent School, Yanna Zissiadou, said: "Luke Campbell was probably the best drummer I have ever taught or worked with. His versatility and knowledge of a diverse range of musical styles is unparalleled.

"Luke comes from a musical family who performed on stage at the school leavers' concert earlier this year. Luke has chosen a career in which he is going to excel. It won't be long before he will become household name."