Image source, Michael Leckie Image caption,

Rylan Clark will join Rick Astley as part of his New Year's Eve concert on BBC One

By Colin Paterson

Entertainment correspondent

Rick Astley has had quite a 2023. Making his Glastonbury debut and playing the Pyramid Stage was, he says, "a gorgeous experience".

And he's ending the year with a high-energy bang. On Sunday, on BBC One, as part of his Rick Astley Rocks New Year's Eve concert, he will be seen teaming up with Rylan Clark to sing a cover version of Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Round (Like A Record).

An incredible fact about that number one single is that Rick Astley was there in the studio when it was recorded 40 years ago.

"The crazy thing is I made tea for Dead or Alive in the PWL Stock Aitken Waterman building, while they made that album [Youthquake]," he explains on the balcony of London's Roundhouse venue during rehearsals.

"That was the first album that I was ever anywhere near, even though I was just tidying up, making the tea and getting the sandwiches.

"I'd like to take all the credit for it. Two sugars! Proper strong builder's tea. That will get you through an album alright."