A FORMER boy band member stepped in to replace one of his old rivals and save the day at Newmarket's summer concert finale.On Friday morning Irish singing sensation Brian McFadden pulled out of his performance at the July Course for the last in a record series of Newmarket Nights.

A FORMER boy band member stepped in to replace one of his old rivals and save the day at Newmarket's summer concert finale.

On Friday morning Irish singing sensation Brian McFadden pulled out of his performance at the July Course for the last in a record series of Newmarket Nights.

A racecourse spokesman confirmed that the former Westlife singer, who has recently undergone a very public divorce, had cancelled the concert due to an accident leaving him in need of emergency knee surgery.

However, as the last of the hugely successful run of concerts looked like turning into a damp squib, form Blue heartthrob Lee Ryan, who has just launched his solo career and whose former band battled with their Irish counterparts for pop supremacy, agreed to appear instead.

Racegoers also had the added bonus of tribute band Abba Magic, another last minute booking, called upon to replace the ailing McFadden.

Newmarket managing director, Lisa Hancock, said: "While obviously it is a disappointment that Brian is unable to perform this evening, we are absolutely delighted to have been able to secure both Lee and Abba Magic at such short notice."

Last night's finale, marked the end of a successful season at Newmarket where four headlining acts have played to sell-out crowds, and between them Ronan Keating, Jools Holland, Will Young and Status Quo have managed to draw combined crowds over 100,000 to the racecourse for the Friday evening concerts.

Racecourse marketing director Gaynor Haxby said: "This year Newmarket has had possibly the highest profile line up of acts so far.

"From the rising star Lucie Silvas up to Ronan Keating, who is at the top of the business, it has been a fantastic summer season.

"It was really unfortunate that Brian McFadden had to step down at the last minute for the final Newmarket Night.

"However, we were delighted that Lee Ryan and Abba Magic were able to step in at such short notice and we are really grateful to them and their management for their support.

"All of us here at Newmarket Racecourses wish Brian a speedy recovery."