A Gravesend man is making midnight memories playing Irish heartthrob, Niall Horan, in the world's first One Direction tribute band.

Matt Faull, 24, who lived in Gravesend until he was seven, jumped at the chance to audition for the part in Only One Direction despite admitting he is not a big fan of the four-piece boy band.

The singer, who has never been mistaken for Niall, said: "I think it's just the blonde hair, we're not a lookalike band.

"We are all singers, it's a stage show, a celebration of their music.

"I did have to do a lot of research before the audition."

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Only One Direction formed in 2012, and now have three casts named after the band's best-selling albums, Up All Night, Midnight Memories and Take Me Home.

Following Zayn Malik's announcement that he was leaving One Direction in March, a new four-piece band was launched last month.

Mr Faull claims the departure of the band's fifth member 'only did good things' for their show.

He told News Shopper that, following Simon Cowell's announcement this week that the boy's may 'take a break' following their fifth album, if the band split it could well boost ticket sales.

He added: "It only did good things for us, a lot of people bought tickets to see a five-piece perform the songs.

"We do perform as a four-piece if people making a booking for it but since Zayn left we have only had one request for that."

Promising fun, energy and enthusiasm on tour with some exciting, unique mash-ups, Mr Faull revealed that the tribute band have gained some unexpected fans.

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He said: "We do a meet and greet after the show and it is a bit intimidating when you come round the corner and see hoards of screaming 12-year-old girls.

"The kids love it, it's great to see them dancing around and singing along but what always surprises me is the dads who come and shake our hands after it tell us they thought they'd hate it but they'd had a great time.

"Some people have said it's better than the real thing.

"It's great for people who can't afford tickets for actual One Direction gigs."

News Shopper quizzed Matt on his knowledge of Niall and checked to see how similar the boy's really are:

1. Who is Niall's ideal woman?
Niall's answer: Cheryl Cole
Matt's answer: A chef 

Matt's ideal woman: Cate Blanchett

2. How tall is Niall?
Answer: 5ft 7"
Matt said: "He looks quite short, I'm 5ft 9" and I'd sat he's shorter than me. I'd say 5ft 7"?"

3.How many tattoos has Niall got?
Answer: None. (Niall is the only 1D member without any).
Matt said: "I know this, it's a trick question. None."

Matt has two tattoos.

4. When is Niall's birthday?
Answer: September 12
Matt's Answer: February

Matt's birthday is in October.

5. What is Niall's favourite colour?
Answer: Green.
Matt's Answer: Green

Matt's favourite colour is blue.

Only One Direction will perform at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford on Monday (July 27). For tickets visit: orchardtheatre.co.uk