Living the dream

The grand winner of the reality talent show called Britain’s Got Talent was Paul Potts from Port Talbot who used to work as a mobile phone salesman. Here, in an interview he elaborates on his latest win.

Paul lives the dream

If you're as potty about Paul Potts as we are, then you're probably wondering what he's been up to since winning the glittering grand final of Britain's Got Talent. Well, you're in luck, as we caught up with the man himself amid his hectic showbiz schedule all the way over in New York!

• How are you enjoying your newfound fame?

It still feels like it's happening to someone else and that somebody's going to give me a shake and say, 'Look, it's your first day back at work, get out of bed and get on your bike!'

• What was an average day-in-the-life of Paul Potts entail before Britain's Got Talent?

I'd get up at about 6.15am and make my wife breakfast, then get on my bike and cycle the 15 miles to work. I'd then spend the day trying to persuade people to part with their hard-earned cash!

• What happened when you woke up on Monday morning?

I'd had literally two hours of sleep in the hotel and then I was up for GMTV. I always find interviews of any type quite nerve-wracking because I'm not used to it. I can be really quite shy until I'm actually singing.Unbelievably, Annie Lennox walked into the studio, patted me on the shoulder and told me how well I'd done!

I then went to the press conference and then onto This Morning, where I was interviewed by Fern and Phil with Piers. I was on it the previous week with the rapping granny, but there was a different atmosphere this time!

I then went to a hotel and did lots of press interviews one by one, and then I spent yesterday doing the photo-shoot for my album.

• How does it feel to be making an album?

It's like I'm dreaming, it's quite unbelievable. It's a good unbelievable though.

• What are you up to in New York?

I've got the Today Programme and I'm performing at the Rockefeller Plaza as well. I've not heard of it but apparently Bon Jovi was on stage there last week!

• Do you have any secrets to maintaining your voice before you go on stage?

I don't eat within four hours before a performance, but that's more of a superstition thing really. You do really have to watch what you eat, because anything that might repeat on you, like garlic or salad leaves, can be a problem. Basically, anything with a high water content can make you burp!

• What's your ultimate ambition from here?

I just want to stay true to myself and be able to sing – my voice has always been my best friend.

• If you could duet with anyone, who would it be?

There are actually negotiations going on, but I'd love to sing with Katherine Jenkins.

• What happened after the show finished?

I met loads of people, who were all congratulating me. Then we went to a party at The Dorchester. It was an amazing night. I got to bed around three and was up again at five so I haven't had a lot of sleep yet, but I'm loving this. It's a dream come true, I'm dazed.

• Will you have a Hollywood-style makeover?

No, I'll stay who I am. People have suggested I change my name now. I won't do that – I'm me, I'm just Paul Potts.

• But someone's offered to fix your teeth?

Well, I wouldn't like to have veneers put on my teeth but I would like to have the crowns fixed, you know, ordinary dental work. I don't think my look will change much.

• You're the latest Welsh singing sensation. What's your secret?

I think Welsh people sing well because of our tradition of singing. My mum is fully Welsh, but she can't sing a note! I'm Welsh, English and Italian – hence the opera!

• You won't go back to work in the phone shop?

I still have the job but I don't think anyone is expecting me back! Thanks to everyone back home for their support.

• What will you spend your £100,000 winnings on?

I'll tell you when I get the cheque! I was off work sick for two years so I have £30,000 to debt to clear. Otherwise, I think my wife will have her eye on a few things to buy!

• And are you ready to sing for the Queen?

I can't wait. I'll do my best to make sure the Royal Family – the whole audience, in fact – enjoy my performance!

• Do you have any advice for all those nervous acts thinking about applying for series two?

Go for it! Go and have a bit more belief in yourself than I did. I only applied about three days before the closing date and almost didn't send it!