The talented 12-year-old was pipped to the last semi final place on BBC talent show I'd Do Anything on Saturday night by Warwickshire teenager Jonny.

The remaining eight contenders will now battle it out to be one of the three Olivers who will share the role in Cameron Mackintosh's new West End production of Oliver.

But, it appears, Gareth's stage career is far from over as it has emerged that he has been promised a part in the final production of the West End show.

Gareth's dad Lenny said:"Gareth was told that he never made it into the semi final because he is a very cheerful boy with an amazing character.He didn't suit the character of Oliver who is more placid in nature.

"At the start of the competition we were told that these boys would only be auditioning for the role of Oliver. But because all 12 of them have done so well, Cameron Mackintosh wants all of them to have a role in the final production.You could describe it as a bit of an about turn.This show will run for years so it is amazing that he is going to be one of the founding cast members."

Lenny says that he is confident his son has a bright stage future ahead of him.

"It is an amazing achievement for a 12-year-old boy to be appearing in the West End, he said.We are so proud of what he has achieved.

"He has done a few auditions with the show's makers to see what role he would be suited to. We won't find out for a few weeks as to what role Gareth will be playing in Oliver.This is only the start of it and we believe there is a lot more to come for Gareth."

Lenny says fans of Gareth shouldn't stop watching the show because his son is no longer in the running for the starring role.

"Although he is out of the competition he will still be very much involved in the show, he said."All 12 Olivers will still be performing together in the show." The winning Olivers will be revealed on the semi-final show on Saturday May 24.