A SIR Elton John tribute performer has appeared in a new show as acts look to show they are ‘even better than the real thing’.

Andy Crosbie has been doing tribute shows since 2002 but in recent years has had to battle with prostate cancer as he continues to perform.

The 51-year-old from Darwen, who is now in remission, was one of the tribute acts who appeared on the pilot episode of BBC One show ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’ on Saturday.

The show, hosted by Paddy McGuinness, looks to find the best tribute acts from around the world.

Mr Crosbie, who has also recorded material for the Christmas edition of the show, praised the show for what it does for tribute acts.

The Moor Lane resident said: “I’m really happy with how the show looks, it was amazing.

“My phone just went bananas on Saturday, I had people messaging me non stop saying they saw me on TV.

“I had people sending me screenshots of myself, from friends, family, everybody.

“It’s a great set up by the BBC, they do a real service for tribute acts, of course we won’t actually be better than the real thing, but it shows how much hard work goes into it.

“This is a brilliant thing for tribute acts, it shows people what we actually do.

“I just hope everyone gets a good showing and acts get some opportunities because of the show.”

The singer did not perform on Saturday’s show but is set to sing some of Sir Elton John’s classic hits on the Christmas edition.

Acts were picked out as BBC scouted around the world for tribute artists before inviting finalists for a one-to-one interview in Manchester with a view to appearing on the show.

Father-of-four Mr Crosbie is well known in the pubs and clubs around East Lancashire for his tribute act which he previously said ‘kept him going’ throughout his cancer battle.

He said he is currently in remission for his cancer but is still receiving treatment in the form of hormone implants for the next 18 months.