One of the best Elvis acts in the world, who was seen headlining a special Elvis week on the David Letterman show in 2013, is coming to St Albans in February.

Ben Portsmouth was the youngest competitor and was different to the stereotypical Elvis impersonator, with no wig needed and suits all the way from America.

Ben started as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the Taking care of Elvis band.

Success in the UK was followed by success in Europe and Ben went on to qualify to represent Europe in the final of the Images of the King contest in Memphis 2010 to find the World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist. He won with both the public and the judges’ vote.

In 2013 Ben was chosen to headline a special Elvis week on the David Letterman show.

Now he is heading to the Alban Arena on February 2, so we spoke to him about life impersonating the king of rock and roll...

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Where do you live?

I reside in the USA.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the Berkshire England.

How old are you?

I'm 37 years old.

Were you always a fan of Elvis?

I was a fan of elvis from the first time I heard him in the back of my dads car as a young boy.

When did you start trying to do impressions – at home? At school?

I would do impressions of people as a  boy at home school wherever I still mimic people now famous and people I know different accents etc.

When did you realise you were good at it?

I leave it up to the audience to decided if I'm good at my act.

How much have you spent on an outfit?

I've spent many thousands of dollars on a single outfit. You get what you pay for generally.

What’s more important, the look or the sound?

I think it is important to create an overall illusion look and voice, if you have the two your on a winner.

Do you sometimes get your identities confused?

Sometimes I wrestle in my mind on stage who am I at this moment of the performance Ben or Elvis. When I'm off stage I'm myself.

What’s your favourite song to perform?

There's so many great songs to perform, I like to perform My Way

What do you think Elvis would be doing now if he was still alive?

It's a job to say what Elvis would be doing now if he were still alive, although I think he would still be performing in some way as it's a great buzz.

What reactions do you get from people when you tell them what you do?

People are generally surprised when they ask what I do as my job, I can't believe it myself sometimes. I know I'm very lucky to be able to do what I do.

The Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, AL1 3LD, Thursday, February 2, 2017. Details: 01727 844488