AUSTRALIAN actor and singer Jason Donovan is swapping the West End for a Chester-le-Street pub.

Jason, who shot to fame as Scott Robinson in Neighbours during the Eighties, will be at the recently opened Chicago Rock Caf, in Front Street, on Wednesday, April 21.

Jason, who played the lead role in the West End's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang earlier this year, has performed at Luminar venues across the country.

Derek Simpson, the openings executive for the pub chain, said a big crowd was expected in Chester-le-Street.

Mr Simpson said: "During his heyday, Jason Donovan was one of the most popular pop singers around. He was also a pin-up for thousands of teenage girls. His songs were out-and-out pop tunes, typical of Stock, Aitken and Waterman, and I am sure many of his old fans will be along on the night to see him perform.

"I know from booking him in the past that his show is extremely entertaining and we are expecting a good crowd on the night."

He made his name as Kylie Minogue's on-screen husband in the popular soap and then followed her to the UK in real life in 1988 as they both started singing careers with Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

Jason experienced early success, scoring number one hits with Too Many Broken Hearts and Sealed With a Kiss.

He and Kylie reached number one with their duet Especially For You. Jason took time out from the pop world and became a star on the West End stage in Joseph and more recently in the smash hit Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Entry to Jason's performance at the Chicago Rock, which is expected to start at 10pm, is free.

Jason will not be the only star due to appear at the venue. There will also be entertainment from other chart-topping acts and tribute bands.

Mr Simpson said: "Chicago Rock Caf is Luminar's most popular brand across the UK with more than 80 outlets nationwide.

"And I think much of that is down to the fact that we make sure staff are highly trained, but also that they enjoy what they do."

The company created 52 jobs at the venue, which opened last week.

Staff have been learning dance routines as well as being taught how to pull a perfect pint.

Each member of the bar and waiting team is trained to dance to a variety of songs including, Grease Lightening, while serving food and drinks. There is a dance floor and the music played will date from the Fifties to the Nineties.

Mr Simpson said: "We had a really good opening and I cannot remember such anticipation ahead of such a venue launch before. We are still getting requests for information and that bodes well for our future here.