BRITAIN'S Got Talent star Craig Ball is looking forward to being part of the line-up at the Salisbury Comedy Festival.

Craig, who grew up in Harnham, rose to fame after appearing on the ITV talent show where he reached the final with his sing impressions. 

The 25-year-old impressionist will be entertaining audiences on Friday, December 2, 10.30pm, at Salisbury Arts Centre.

"It is pretty incredible really seeing who is in the line-up and to be alongside those people. I've watched them on TV - Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo - so it's a bit strange. It is definitely going to be different for sure."

Craig says he is looking forward to getting on stage in front of a home crowd once again. "It is nice to come back and perform. It has been a long time."

Craig says he last performed in Salisbury when he was in a local band.

Performing has always been a passion for the former Trafalgar School pupil who studied contemporary theatre at Manchester Metropolitan University. He enjoys acting, singing and comedy.

The Salisbury performer made an impression on the judges, which included David Walliams and Simon Cowell, with his impersonations of Shrek and Donkey, Minnie and Micky Mouse, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Peter and Stewie from Family Guy. He came sixth in this year's show.

Since appearing on the show he has been pursuing a career as a performer but admits his dream job is being a voice actor in animations — following in the footsteps of Family Guy star Seth MacFarlane.

Speaking about his performance at the comedy festival, he said: "Obviously I will be performing songs, that is a guarantee, but hopefully will be doing some comedy, a little bit of stand-up.

"It is a lot of observational humour and voice over."

He says he has been influenced by comedians like Lee Evans and Michael McIntyre.

Craig has been working on some new songs, which he says he will be performing at the festival but did not want to give too much away.

"If you enjoy voices, watch a lot of cartoons and enjoy the old voices and like to see them come along. I'm a local kid as well."

The festival is in association with the Journal. For tickets call 01722 321744 or go to salisburyartscentre.co.uk. Produce your ticket for free entry into The Chapel Nightclub (before midnight) following the show.