Jools Holland’s right-hand man will be stepping out of the BBC’s Later studios to perform at a club gig in Devizes tomorrow night (February 26).

Mark Flanagan, known to millions of viewers as the guitarist in Jools Holland’s band, will be making a rare appearance at the Long Street Blues Club.

Mark has been playing with Jools since 1988 as a key member of the star pianist’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, regularly appearing on almost 400 episodes of Later and on Hootenanny, the much-watched BBC New Year’s Eve show.

In that time he has performed with Jools alongside scores of top stars ranging from Tom Jones and Ellie Goulding to Buddy Greco, BB King, Al Green, Paul Weller and Ed Sheeran.

He also played with George Harrison on the late Beatle’s final solo album and has played in concert with guitar legends including Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler.

And, says band leader Jools, Mark is highly-rated by none other than “Slowhand” himself, Eric Clapton.

“Mark understands everything from jump jive to modern music, he can swing and then rock it,” said Jools, “Eric Clapton describes Mark as a truly great guitarist.”

The Long Street Blues Club says the gig will be a treat for fans of great guitar-playing.

“We are over the moon that one of the great British guitarists is coming to the club with his own band as part of a rare club date. We welcome back one of the most popular artists to appear at the club,” said a spokesman.

“For 30 years Mark Flanagan has been the guitarist in the Jools Holland Orchestra, he’s played with all the great names and he has also built a reputation as a fine singer-songwriter.

"He’ll be performing his rootsy blues originals and this will be a night to remember.”

Tickets, £16 in advance and £18 on the door, are available from longstreetbluesclub.co.uk