TV and West End star John Barrowman will be shown on a primetime BBC show this Saturday touring a New Forest charity he has taken to his heart.

The Doctor Who and Torchwood actor has offered to be a patron of New Forest Nightstop after learning of their vital work with homeless youngsters in the area.

After meeting representatives from the charity for a National Lottery programme last year where it was voted the UK’s favourite cause and received £2,000 funding, Barrowman visited the Forest to see what Nightstop does for young people in desperate straits.

His visit will be shown on Saturday’s The National Lottery: Break the Safe at 8.10pm on BBC1.

New Forest Nightstop provides the only free short term emergency accommodation for homeless young people in the homes of trained and approved volunteers around the New Forest.

Lots of families in the Forest open their doors to welcome young people who have fallen out with their families or have been made homeless as a result of a family crisis.

Jude Todd, co-ordinator of New Forest Nightstop, said: “Winning a National Lottery Award was such an amazing experience for everyone involved in the charity.

“It did so much to raise the profile of our work.

“We have had several people wanting to help us because they were able to see how our work gets lives back on track.

“When we met John Barrowman at last year’s show he expressed an interest in coming to see us.

“We are absolutely delighted that John wants to get involved and be our patron.”

Barrowman said: “Many of us take for granted having a warm and safe place to stay and someone at home for support.

“New Forest Nightstop provides welcoming places for young people to stay, offering them safety and hope.

“They really do save lives.

“I look forward to doing what I can to support their tremendous work.”