Ryan Gosling could have been a member of the Backstreet Boys, it has been revealed.

Singer AJ McLean told TMZ that he was childhood friends with the actor, who has recently appeared in the film Gangster Squad.

After initial interest, it seems Gosling did not believe that the US pop group would be successful - a prediction that did not come to fruition.

However, the actor tried to get in touch with McLean when the band started to enjoy fame - but his call wasn't returned. The 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)' star said:

"Ryan, I am so sorry that I didn't call you back...If we ever want a sixth Backstreet Boy member, I'm gonna call you. You can sing."

He continued: "He can sing his ass off. He's not only a great actor and a handsome man."