AN actor and musician from Palermo who lives in Newham is pursuing his dreams of mega-stardom.

AN actor and musician from Palermo who lives in Newham is pursuing his dreams of mega-stardom.

Salvo Riggi, 32, of Gallions Reach, came to the bright lights of London in search of fame ten years at the age of 20.

Salvo said: “I was a kid and really poor.

“I had no job and no money in Palermo.

“There was nothing there for me except a life of crime so I decided to come to London to pursue my dream of becoming a famous performer.

“I had just �100 in my pocket when I arrived in the UK.

“It was really tough.”

After making his living working as a barman and waiter for a year, Salvo got his big break when he was chosen for the Channel 4 reality TV show Shipwrecked, which was shot in Fiji.

“When I came back to the UK, I was really famous and everyone wanted my autograph,” said Salvo.

Flush with his new found fame, the Sicilian decided to pursue an acting career and immediately signed up with an agency.

Since then, Salvo has appeared in TV adverts and hit programmes, including The Bill, Cutting It and the Harry Enfield Series.

His film credits include Batman Returns and The Phantom of the Opera.

While his acting career has flourished, Salvo has continued with his other passion - music.

His new single Pain of Love is released on September 20 and Salvo will be performing at Bar Soho on October 30.

In his next step in acting, the infectiously energetic Italian is teaming up with British actor Christopher Fosh on a number of film projects, which are set for release over the coming year.

Looking ahead, the confident Italian is in no doubt about where his career is going.

“I will be massive.

“I love what I do,” said Salvo.

Watch this space.