Newton Faulkner "terrified of seeing" Paul McCartney

Rocker Newton Faulkner has revealed he's terrified of seeing his hero Sir Paul McCartney at Wednesday's Brit Awards - because the music legend, 65, is looking "old".

The "Dream Catch Me" star is a huge fan of the former Beatle – and would rather remember him in 60s heyday.

He said: "Paul McCartney scares me a bit these days.

"When I see recent pictures of him looking old it unnerves me. I’m so used to seeing pics of him when he was younger. I can't handle the older version.

"He’ll probably kick me in the nuts if he sees me now I’ve said that."

But Newt, 23, promises to be on his on his behavior at the prestigious London ceremony - despite there being a constant, free-flow of champagne.

He added to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "I can’t even drink much on the night 'cos my tour starts the next day. I’ll allow myself two drinks.

"I’ve tested my boundaries on many occasions and that’s as much as I can have.

"This’ll be my first time at the Brits. I’ve always watched it and wanted to be on there, though."

Newton is up for the Best British Male gong at the UK music industry bash - and he’s even placed a bet on himself winning.

Faulkner confessed: "I’ve put a bet on myself winning because the odds are 20-1. I’ve never put a bet on before but I'll make £2,000 ($4k) if I win.

"I haven’t prepared an acceptance speech. If I did win I'd just run up on stage and go: 'Yes, I’ve just won two grand.'"

But Newton is convinced that fellow nominee Mark Ron­son, 32, is going to steal his thunder, even though Mark - who worked on Amy Winehouse's 'Back to Black' album - doesn’t actually sing on his own record.

He said: "All the guys in my group are cool. But I think Mark Ronson will get it.

"Mark is amazing, al­though it’s a bit odd I’m in the same category as him.

"But I hear that he is taking singing lessons now, and he plays all his own instruments. I’d like to collaborate with someone like him."