The first pictures of Ronan Keating in character for his West End debut in Once have been released and we must admit he is looking great!

The X Factor judge will have his first performance as Guy this November in London’s Phoenix Theatre.

Glen Hansard made the role famous in the cinematic version of Once back in 2007. The Frames singer subsequently won an Oscar for Falling Slowly, once of the main songs from both the film and the musical.

Ronan has begun rehearsals in Australia before moving onto the UK. He took to Instagram the other day to express his excitement, posting a picture of his Once script with the caption: “Big day today. First proper rehearsal. Thank you so much to all the @OnceMusical Melbourne team for taking care of me.”

The singer admits that the musical will be “a huge challenge and commitment” but that he is dying to get started. “I'm really looking forward to returning to London later this year and completely sinking my teeth into the role.”