By CAROLINE WILSON

A YOUNG Glasgow busker has landed a lead role in a new Scottish blockbuster starring Denis Lawson.

Christy O'Donnell has already built up a loyal fanbase in his home city thanks to regular slots on Buchanan Street.

And the 20-year-old with movie-star looks is now set for cinematic success in the coming-of-age drama, Moon Dogs, which is the feature debut of Downton Abbey director Philip John.

It is all the more impressive because the singer/songwriter, who is from Glasgow's south-side landed the plum role after his first ever audition.

The film follows two teenage stepbrothers, Thor, played by Christy and Michael (Jack Parry Jones) on a road trip from Shetland to Glasgow and the girl Caitlin, played by Tara Lee, who comes between them.

Supporting cast members include Local Hero star Denis Lawson.

The movie will be shot in locations across Scotland over the coming weeks, including Shetland, where the crew are currently filming.

Christy, who grew up in Cathcart, said: "I'd just come back from a busking tour across Europe which was amazing. I came back and I had just signed with a London agent.

"It's insane. I think I'm just lucky, I always seem to be in the right place at the right time.

"I had one day to look at the script before the audition. It's been tough getting up every day at 5am for filming but it's amazing to see how everything works. It's so intricate.

"Music will always be part of my life but acting has been my dream."

Directed by Philip John (Being Human, Downton Abbey), the film was written by Scottish writing duo Raymond Friel and Derek Boyle.

Mr John said: "This story has a wonderful message about the goodness and importance of rebellion. It’s about finding the thing you truly love and pursuing it with all your heart, never giving up. I loved the script’s irresistible energy and exuberance."

Christy, who took drama lessons from the age of 5-14 at Glasgow's CCA, has now landed a second role in another upcoming film - Dirt Road to Lafayette - the first screenplay by Booker Prize-winning Scot James Kelman, who won for his 1994 book How Late It Was, How Late.

It tells the story of 17-year-old Murdo, who hasn't played the accordion since his mum's death six months previously. Together with his dad, the pair try to heal their heartache with a trip to America to visit relatives.