THE baby of the Osmond family will star in Copacabana which opens in St Helens next February.

Barry Manilow’s hit musical will tour the UK, beginning at St Helens Theatre Royal.

Jimmy Osmond, who found fame with hits including Long Haired Lover from Liverpool and Love me for a Reason, will star alongside Jon Lee, a member of '90s pop group S Club 7.

The production will re-imagine the original stage version of Copacabana, which was first performed in the US in 1991 and has never before been seen in the UK.

Barry Manilow said: “I’m honoured that Copacabana will return to the UK stage and send my wishes for success to Jimmy, Jon and the entire company.”

Featuring Manilow hits including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, Welcome to Havana and of course, the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana which was released in 1978, this production promises to have audience members dancing in the aisles.

The story of Copacabana follows aspiring songwriter Tony who works as a pianist in a bar when he meets the gorgeous Lola, who is determined to make it in showbiz. Quickly falling for Lola, Tony does everything he can to assist her attempts to find stardom. At Manhattan's Copacabana Lounge both start to find fame, before fate steps in and Lola is swept away to Havana to work in a night club. But Lola's new mentor and boss Rico may demand a price for putting her name in lights.

Jimmy Osmond will star as gruff Copacabana manager Sam Silver and Jon Lee will play Tony Starr. The production introduces Jennifer Harding as Lola.

Jimmy is the youngest member of the world famous Osmond family, and for nearly 50 years has performed with The Osmonds. Together they have sold over 100 million records, earning more than 53 gold and platinum records. As a solo artist, Jimmy has accumulated six gold records, one platinum record and two gold albums.

Copacabana will run at the theatre royal from Monday to Saturday, February 2 to 7 at 7.30pm. There will be matinees at 2.30pm on the Wednesday and Saturday.