A RISING star is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake after wowing producers of the Mickey Mouse Club.

Six-year-old Kaleb Harvey, left, had his first audition in front of the cameras only four weeks ago and is preparing for another trip to London.

Producers of the Disney Channel were so impressed by the youngster's ease in front of the camera they called him back for another shoot.

He will star alongside other youngsters as part of Winnie the Pooh's 80th birthday celebrations.

His mother, Lisa, 34, from Billingham, Teesside, said the past month has been a whirlwind.

"I can't believe how quick it has all happened," she said.

"The principal at the stage school he attends said Kaleb had something special and put in a good word for him with an agency. As soon as the show producers saw what he could do, they were bowled over.

"They rang less than a week later and said they wanted him for the Mickey Mouse Club. They aren't even auditioning - they just wanted him."

Stock controller Lisa enrolled the youngster with a local stage school in August. They signed Kaleb with their partner agency.

After months of waiting, an excited Kaleb was on his way to the capital to audition for a part in the Disney Channel's Playhouse.

He was called back for filming and asked to recite three poems.

"They said he was so at ease in front of the camera, they were really impressed. I'm so proud.

"My life without Kaleb would be so boring."

The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on October 3, 1955 and was in development for two years. The show is famous for sending Britney and Justin, as well as fellow pop princess Christina Aguilera, to stardom.

Kaleb and his mother will fly to London later this month for a two-hour filming for the show.