Julian to blast into the big time

More than 16 million people tuned in to watch the music teacher from Halesowen perform in the live final of the TV talent search on Saturday, and the 39-year-old confirmed meetings were being set up after he finished third in the competition.

It comes after it emerged the father-of-two had already recorded tracks as a professional musician under his stage name Joolz Gianni, which appeared on a Classic Chillout compilation.

At the time, around six years ago, the performer was offered a record deal and he recorded an album which he never released.

"This was about six years ago now. I was asked to record some tracks for the compilation," said Julian, from Olliver Close.

"I did record an album but for whatever reason it was not released. I have said throughout the show I felt I had missed my chance and the competition was my final shot to do what I love to do."

Julian received a standing ovation for his version of West Side Story classic Somewhere during the final of the TV talent show and he said he was "overwhelmed" and "honoured" with the level of public support.

But he was pipped by Scottish singer Susan Boyle in second place and street dance group Diversity, who won the show.

"I went to them backstage and actually said you have to win this," he said. "Their performances got better each time they went out."

Julian is now expected to perform in the Britain's Got Talent tour which will kick off in Birmingham on June 12.