The spotlight was on a Carlisle singer as he took his place among Hollywood royalty at the Fifty Shades Darker European premiere.

The red carpet event in London on Thursday night, saw Matt Pagan and the other Collabro members rubbing shoulders with the likes of singer and actress Rita Ora, TV star and former glamour model Katie Price and singer-songwriter Ella Eyre.

The boys posed for the cameras in the very same spot as the film's stars, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, before heading into the venue to watch it on the big screen.

Matt, whose parents still live in the St Ann's area of Carlisle, told the News & Star it was an incredible experience.

"The books and films are known worldwide, so there were hundreds of people at the red carpet," he explained. "It's amazing walking up the red carpet and on both sides of the carpet you have fans wanting autographs and pictures, we really love spending time with the fans.

"It's a great feeling standing in front of the press wall and seeing all the camera flashes from the paparazzi.

"In all seriousness though, it's really nice after the battles we faced last year (becoming a four piece) that we carried on and are still making an impact with the new album and UK tour for example."

Matt continued: "We do still get a bit overwhelmed when you go to an event as big as that, but you have to just take it in your stride.

"It's a bit different to a Thursday night in Carlisle - although when I was living at home, there was nothing quite like sitting watching Eastenders and having some amazing home cooked food by mum."

Despite the film's mixed reviews - and complaints by some women rights groups - Matt said he himself enjoyed it.

"It carries on from that last movie and traces the deepening relationship between Anastasia Steele, and Christian Grey," he explained. "It gets so intense.

"We really enjoyed it."