IT’S not often that you get the chance to replace Ringo Starr in Cilla Black’s backing band but for Jack Bennett frontman with St Helens rockers Stillia it was an opportunity too good to turn down.

The 18-year-old from Sutton is due to appear in the ITV drama charting the early days of Cilla who is played by Sheridan Smith.

Unfortunately Jack was the only member of the band who got to appear on camera.

He explained: “Johnny Vegas’ PA Bev Dixon put ITV in touch with us but there was only me in the band who fit the costume.

“It was good but a long day. They told us to get there for 1pm and I was waiting in a trailer until around 9.30pm.

“Then they brought us out for filming and took us in a posh Mercedes van through Liverpool to a warehouse done up to look like the Cavern and put us on stage.

“I thought we’d be a couple of hours but it only lasted around ten minutes. I can’t act to save my life so I just looked up and Sheridan Smith was singing in front of me and I thought happy days.”

Jack's cameo sees his character step into Cilla's band when Ringo departs to join the Beatles. He does not speak in the part, meaning he didn't have to master the Scouse accent. Some of the actors in the series have been criticised for their dodgy interpretation of the Liverpool twang.

He said he grabbed a chat with TV star Smith who is earning rave reviews for her portrayal of the Scouse songstress.

“She was cool. She asked about the band and how e got the job here.”

Jack’s appearance, which was filmed several months ago, is due to be aired this Monday.

He joked: “It was certainly an experience although I did have to get my barnet done by the woman who did Sheridan Smith’s hair.

“By the end of it I looked like John Travolta in Grease so I’m not looking forward to seeing that."