Blue's Lee Takes On The Robster

Lee RyanBlue star Lee Ryan is being lined up to take on British pop king Robbie Williams.

The 21-year-old singer has just signed a £500,000 solo deal - and has the Robster's crown in his sights.

Several labels were bidding for the 21-year-old Londoner - but Sony BMG's Brightside records finally got him.

Music chief Hugh Goldsmith, who worked with Blue and Take That, will take him under his wing.

An insider told the Mirror: "He is going to be the new Robbie - it is as simple as that.

"He is now a top priority for Sony BMG and they're ploughing millions into him."

The deal was signed on Friday and his first solo record is set for release as early as July.

Lee Ryan arrives at the Dolce and Gabbana Cannes partyAnd it just gets better as Dolce & Gabbana are now chasing him to be the new face of their latest campaign.

Lee was invited to the fashion house's annual celebrity party in the south of France last week.

"He hasn't signed anything but if everything goes well, he could be in their ad campaigns," added the source.

It's a far cry from just three short years ago when he launched a blistering attack on media coverage of the September 11 attacks - and was forced to issue a grovelling apology.