SEVEN-year-old Michael Wetham will be rubbing shoulders with the stars when he appears on a hit television show this week.

The youngster, who attends Bishop Bridgeman CE Primary in Great Lever, has been invited on to the Paul O’Grady Show after being scouted by a research team for the ITV chat show.

Researchers visited his school recently and asked children questions about school, hobbies and other interests.

And Michael’s lovable character caught the eye of the team who after speaking with his parents invited him to London to appear live on the Friday show.

He said: “I am really excited about Friday and looking forward to being on television and meeting Paul O’Grady.

"I have never been to London before and my mum has bought me some new clothes. I am a little nervous.”

Although what Michael will be doing on the show will not be clear until it airs on Friday, it is expected to be on the theme of children saying the funniest things.

Headteacher Jill Pilling said Michael was a popular pupil at the school.

She said: “Michael is a cheeky chappie without overstepping mark. You can have a laugh and a joke with him.

“He is popular in school and with a lovable nature. I am sure he will charm everyone on the show.”

The school is looking forward to what he says and does on the show.

The show’s research team has visited a number of schools in Bolton looking for possible “stars” to appear on the primetime magazine programme.

It follows the success of Bolton children being picked to appear on a variety of teatime and after school shows.

The Paul O’Grady show will be aired on Friday at 5pm on ITV with special guest star American singer Michael Bolton.