Elvis still in the building

Sir Michael Caine and Elvis Schmelvis


July 11, 2008
By Alexandra Barham

ELVIS PRESLEY rose from the dead last week to perform a hip swivelling set infront of a star studded audience in aid of charity.

Unfortunately the king of rock and roll was not the real McCoy, but professional impersonator Martyn Dias of Ragged Hall Lane, St Albans.

Donning a special Rhinestone studded jumpsuit, Martyn, aka Elvis Shmelvis, launched into a medley of legendary hits on stage to raise money for children with leukaemia.

The grand party was held in Battersea Park last Wednesday with more than 6,000 young sufferers attending a long with British film star Sir Michael Caine, Eastenders actress June Brown aka Dot Cotton and presenter Des O'Conner.

Martyn, who gave up his day job 10 years ago to imitate the rock legend full-time, said: "Before I went professional I did lots of charity work, but when I went professional I had to give it up. I now do about five or six charity events a year.

"If I can put a smile on these poorly children's faces for a few hours then I want to help do that."

The 46-year-old father of two was voted best tribute act in the UK and has made numerous television appearances playing an injured Elvis in Holby City, entertaining diners on Channel four's Come Dine with Me and competing in an elvis-alike special of the Weakest Link.

As headline act for next Saturday's Music in the Park, in Clarence Park, the great pretender will once again be thrusting his hips for a jeering audience.

See our video of Elvis in action on the Review website next week.

Source: http://www.stalbansobserver.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.2391488.0.elvis_still_in_the_building.php