AN ASPIRING young actor took centrestage in front of 40,000 spectators and millions of TV viewers at the action-packed Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Calvin Wilson was left star-struck when he rubbed shoulders with the Queen and celebrities like Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle and John Barrowman at the spectacular event at Celtic Park.

The talented 11-year-old, who is just about to start at St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm, performed with a group of youngsters from the Vivace Theatre School in Glasgow which he attends.

Calvin told the Tele: “It was awesome and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We walked on behind the pipers and the Queen came in right behind us.

“We were standing next to her as she went onto the podium.

“It was amazing to sing the national anthem right in front of her.” Calvin’s proud parents Stuart and Eilidh were blown away to see their son in the spotlight, especially during the show finale when the athletes joined in the celebrations.

Stuart, 40, who is director of communications and public affairs at NHS Lothian, said it was a special moment.

He said: “It was so exciting as we could see him quite clearly from where we were sitting.

“He walked out in front of 40,000 people and all these TV viewers.

“I would’ve been tripping over my feet but he really enjoyed it and was even high-fiving all the Canadian athletes at the end.” The rising star, who lives with his mum, dad, brother Wesley, seven, and two-year-old sister Ariana in Kilmacolm, was also given special mementos from the athletes.

Calvin said: “It was great fun high-fiving everyone and the athletes from Northern Ireland and England also gave me their badges — it was brilliant.”