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Strictly star and Kent pop performer HRVY to open ITV's National Television Awards at the 02 Arena in London

Rising Kent-based pop star HRVY has landed one of his biggest gigs yet as he prepares to open the National Television Awards.

The singer from Hartley, who became a YouTube sensation while still studying at The Leigh Academy in Dartford, will take to the stage at London’s O2 Arena next Thursday.

Kent-based pop star HRVY is set to open the National Television Awards 2021. Photo: MBC PR
Kent-based pop star HRVY is set to open the National Television Awards 2021. Photo: MBC PR

At just 22-years-old the singer and dancer is set to perform his latest single "Run Away With It" – which samples Shanice’s 90's hit "I Love Your Smile" – for the first time live on ITV.

It follows several sold-out headline shows at Hammersmith Apollo and appearances at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, plus Capital FM’s Jingle Bell and Summertime Ball.

During the pandemic, HRVY – whose real name is Harvey Cantwell – drew a virtual audience of thousands worldwide as part of a performance aired from the Royal Albert Hall.

The Kent-based pop star, who electrified viewers with his dazzling Strictly Come Dancing performances, has been tipped by MTV to be the next "rising star".

His latest single comes off the back of his recent club-banger "1 Day 2 Nights".

HRVY hosted a digital performance at the Royal Albert Hall during the pandemic. Photo: Instagram/@hrvy
HRVY hosted a digital performance at the Royal Albert Hall during the pandemic. Photo: Instagram/@hrvy

The video to "Run Away With It", directed by Jordan Rossi of Rankin Film Productions, sees HRVY take us backstage on an interactive journey, switching back and forth between the third and first person.

Discussing the the new track, HRVY said: “I’ve always wanted to use a sample in one of my songs, and when I heard the original “I Love Your Smile” by Shanice, I fell in love with the du du du doo duduooo bit!!

"Something that gives nostalgia for some of my older fans and something new for my younger fans.”

HRVY is set to release a host of new music after signing a deal with global record company BMG.

The former CBBC presenter had planned to release his debut album "Can anybody hear me?" back in November.

But the tracks – many of which had been compiled over a two to three year window – were later pulled and live shows cancelled amid the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

HRVY from Dartford proved a popular fixture on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC
HRVY from Dartford proved a popular fixture on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: BBC

Despite this set-back and contracting Covid-19 ahead of his Strictly debut, HRVY went on to propel himself to fame on the show after winning over viewers with his often flamboyant and high energy routines alongside professional dancer Janette Manrara.

They eventually finished as runners up, just pipped to the post by comedian Bill Bailey and his dance partner Oti Mabuse who scooped the glitter ball trophy.

Speaking to KentOnline last year HRVY revealed some of his backstage antics from the show and his love for his home town.

The National Television Awards is Britain's leading TV awards event where all the winners are chosen exclusively by viewers.

Many millions of votes are cast each year via post, telephone and online and the results will be revealed live on ITV from The O2 London on September 9.

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