JJ Hamblett, best known as a member of boy band Union J, is returning to horse racing after nearly 20 years away, describing the switch back from stage to racecourse as a "full circle" moment. The 38-year-old, who grew up in Newmarket, was a working jockey before finding fame on The X Factor, and will compete in The Leger Legends charity race at Doncaster Racecourse on 11 September, the same course where he rode his first competitive race in 2005.

Hamblett gained his jockey licence at 16 under champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute, riding his first winner in 2005 and notching 22 further wins before leaving the sport, partly due to the difficulty of managing his weight. He has been training daily under John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables ahead of the race, which raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Jack Berry House and features fellow former jockeys including Gary Bardwell, Sammy Jo Bell, Joe Fanning and Andrew Tinkler, with Frankie Dettori having withdrawn after a car crash in July.