A MAN tipped to reach the top of the entertainment industry was at Penarth's Briarbank studios last week to record tracks which he hopes will launch his pop career.

Derek Hough, aged 20, who is playing the lead role of Ren in Footloose at the Wales Millennium Centre last week, writes his own music and lyrics with fellow band member Mark Ballas.

Footloose is currently on tour of the UK after which its producers hope to secure a permanent spot for the show at a West End theatre.

Anne Sheward, principal of the prestigious Italia Conti school of performing arts in London, where Derek and Mark both trained, said: "Derek is the most charismatic performer I have seen in 40 years at the school.

"He has exceptional ability and is multi-talented. He is an outstanding singer, dancer and actor.

"His career could take off in any number of directions and we are exploring different avenues at the moment. Derek really is someone who has the X factor."

Derek, who comes from Salt Lake City, was spotted at the age of 12 by the parents of Mark Ballas, who were both professional dancers.