Ronan Keating is to take to the stage in London's West End musical production of Oscar-winning film Once.

The Boyzone singer will star as the unnamed "Guy" in what will be his West End debut.

Keating, who has had a number of small acting roles in recent years, said he was "completely overwhelmed" to be offered the role: "I knew it would be perfect - this was my home town, my people, and the place where I began my own music career.

"But as exciting as that is, it's scary, too. I've never performed on the West End, and this is a huge challenge and commitment."

Once is the story of an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant bonding over a love of music and was shot in Dublin on a very low budget in 2007.

With performances from Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova the understated production eventually went on to win an Oscar for best song with Falling Slowly.

It successfully transferred to the stage, first in New York in 2012, where it won eight Tony awards. As well as continuing on Broadway, it is also currently playing at the Phoenix theatre in London's West End, where Keating will perform.