SINGER Patrick Byrne is convInced the only way is Elvis – after beating 16 rival tribute acts to win a lucrative performing contract.

Patrick, from Basildon, beat 16 other Elvis tribute acts to win a 12-show run on Blackpool Pier next year.

From March, the former builder will put on his rhinestone-studded white jumpsuit and step out to sing the King’s hits, including Hound Dog, All Shook Up, Jailhouse Rock and Suspicious Minds to crowds in the seaside resort, which is visited by more than six million people every year.

The 52-year-old singer is no stranger to success.

Last year he came third in the European championships for Elvis Presley impersonators, having taken second place in 2009.

He started his tribute artist career a decade ago and says since then he’s not looked back.

Patrick said: “I always wanted to perform Elvis but I never had the confidence to get up and do it.

“When I was 14 or 15 I used to sing quite a lot, but as I got older, I become more conscious of people looking at me.

“Years went by, but when I got to the age of 42, which is how old Elvis was when he died, I started having problems with my heart. I remember laying in bed one night, thinking of all the things I wished I’d done.

“A month later, I just got up and sang and it all snowballed from there.”

Eight years ago he had a heart attack and was forced to give up his job as a builder, but Patrick says he has fond memories of his labouring days.

He added: “In a way, I learned to sing, working as a builder in people’s houses.

“I would be upstairs and I knew they could hear me, but I didn't have to look at them.

“I look back at old videos from my early tribute days and think it’s embarrassing because I’ve got better, but I actually think it’s my confidence which has improved.”

South Essex fans can next see him singing at the Shagor Indian restaurant, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, on December 21, from 9pm.

For more information about Patrick’s act, visit elvis777.com