I would never have been discovered without the X Factor. I was just doing the working men's clubs and I loved doing that. That was the life for me at that time. I never expected to be noticed doing that, that's why I went for X Factor by myself.

I grew up in Manchester in a big Irish family - there are seven of us in all - so my life has always been about role-playing, about doing anything for a laugh. I'm always joking about; that's the way I am.

I've always wanted to act.

I'm a proper mummy's boy.

I love to write poetry.

I'd love to venture into TV or do some gritty dramas - Guy Ritchie, that kind of thing.

I love a challenge, and I think it's when people least expect you to do something that you often do your best.