But tonight (September 2), Fabrizio Schiavone will be doing something a touch more extra-ordinary – stepping onto the stage with a cast of stars and lapping up the applause of the audience.

The 16-year-old, from Desborough Avenue, Stanground, Peterborough, bagged a dream role to perform alongside soapstars and singers after wowing producers of the eXtra Factor show – which gets underway at the Key Theatre tonight for a five-night run.

The comedy musical features six talented performers, locked away in a house, desperate for fame, fortune and stardom.

The celebrity line-up features Kevin Kennedy, famed for his role as Curly Watts in Coronation Street, Antony Costa, of boy band Blue, Kelle Bryan, of girl band Eternal, Anthony Kavanagh, a runner up on TV's Grease is the Word, Russ Spencer, of English Eurovision Song Contest band Scooch, Jennifer Biddell, known as Jessica Harris from Hollyoaks, and Suzanne Carley, of Blood Brothers and Grease fame.

But Fabrizio reckons he can hold his own – despite the first-night nerves.

He said: "I have always been singing, but never professionally. I started when I was about nine.

"I have done a few shows, including Back to the Eighties and Fame, with the youth Key Theatre.

"I am starting a musical theatre course at Peterborough Regional College in two weeks.

"I feel a mixture of nerves and excitement, and I'm looking forward to meeting the professionals."

Although his dream would be to pursue a career in showbiz, the level-headed youngster is keeping his feet on the ground.

He said: "This is what I would love to do, but I want to get college out of the way first and not get my hopes up."

Fabrizio revealed that his supportive family were behind him all the way.

He said: "My nan stuck the poster of the ad on the wall and said, 'you have to go'.

"I phoned up and went with a friend. I had to sing in front of the judges and they videoed me.

"They said they would get back to me in a couple of days. They phoned me when I was in town and said I was in the show.

"I wasn't expecting it but was hoping I would get it. There were lots of other people there."

The show is billed as a comedy musical which takes an ironic look at reality shows.

The ultimate winner will be decided each night by the Key Theatre crowd.

The show also features some of the biggest hits from the last three decades, including Robbie Williams' Angels and Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive.

And there may be a surprise appearance by the king of music talent shows himself.

Kevin Kennedy said that the cast were hopeful that the creator of the X Factor programme, Simon Cowell, could be at the opening night.

He said: "We have heard a strong rumour that Simon will be coming to the first night of the show, which would make it extra special if he chose to do so."

The eXtra Factor show runs at The Key Theatre, on Peterborough's Embankment, until September 6.