Young singer will play Eurythmics' star in film

Tom A Smith has never acted professionally but says he is "confident" he will do a good job

A young singer will play Eurythmics' star Dave Stewart in a semi-autobiographical film based on his life in the 1960s and 1970s.

Tom A Smith will star in Ebony McQueen, a musical inspired by Stewart's experiences.

The 20-year-old Sunderland-based singer and songwriter believes parallels between their lives growing up in the North East of England could have influenced casting for the main role.

Tom said had "never known such excitement" as when he picked up the phone at a family barbeque to hear Stewart at the other end ask if he would audition for the role.

"I was speaking to one of my heroes - being from Sunderland, he is one of the most recognisable stars there is," Tom said.

"To have this kind of recognition from him is lovely."

Dave Stewart achieved worldwide fame with Annie Lennox in Eurythmics

Since his days with Eurythmics, Stewart, born in Sunderland in 1952, has gone on to become a renowned producer, musician and songwriter.

Tom said his relationship with his hero began when the star reposted one of his songs to his fans on social media.

"He has kept a watchful eye on me since and is being so supportive," Tom added.

While the performer has no formal acting experience, he said his dedication to the stage was helping him to prepare for the role.

"I'm quite confident in my ability to do things and everything about this is so exciting, I'm thrilled to be part of it," he added.

"When I'm on the stage, I put on a bit of a persona and a character, and that's a bit like acting.

"I had to do a four-hour audition for the role and I think I did a good job, it looks like they thought so too."

Production on Ebony Queen is expected to begin early next year, with director Shekhar Kapur expected to direct a script by writers including Stewart himself.

The film follows Charlie McGarvey, a young man with dreams of becoming a professional footballer, who discovers the magic of creating music while injured.