A CLASSICAL music fan has told how a cheeky chat– up line led to him getting up close and personal with stunning opera diva Katherine Jenkins.

Having the courage to compliment the Welsh songstress led to Keith Moore fulfilling his dream of sharing the stage with the singer.

Keith of Fieldway, Pitsea, was one of 4,000 revellers at the soprano’s recent open air concert at Lake Meadows in Billericay.

Fun–loving Keith, 47, was dressed up as Italian tenor Pavarotti, and had been knocking back glasses of Pimms and Champagne when his night suddenly got a lot better.

He explained: “At one point during the show Katherine got a fly in her eye and she had to stop singing. She asked the conductor to get it out for her.

“It was quite a funny moment and it was totally silent. You could hear a pin drop.

“She had her arm around the conductor and I yelled out ‘you lucky bugger!’ “Everyone laughed and Katherine asked ‘who said that?’.

“I said it was me and she saw me standing there in my Pavarotti mask and she told me to get up on stage.”

Keith couldn’t believe his luck when he clambered up and got to “conduct” the orchestra as Katherine belted out an beautiful aria.

“I can’t even remember what she sang I was so excited,” added Keith.

“Afterwards I went back stage and was talking to her for five minutes.

“She really amazed me. She was incredibly funny and laid back. There were no airs and graces she was just a lovely Welsh lass having a good time.”

Keith, who loves to pay tribute to his hero Pavarotti, added: “I bought my Pavarotti mask in London years ago. I always take it to classical events now.

“We always have a great time, but this was extra special.

I think every man in that audience envied me, but it goes to show he who dares, wins!”