Paul Potts won ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2007 and his life has changed beyond recognition
Britain's Got Talent has been on our screens for the last 18 years, and its most recent series has seen a bowl juggler and dancers with ping pong paddles, to name just a few of the wacky acts. The hit show, which first graced our screens in 2007, has been a springboard for many performers who have become familiar figures in the entertainment world, launching the careers of Diversity, Susan Boyle, and George Sampson.
The first winner of the show was Paul Potts, the phone salesman turned opera singer from Port Talbot. He is among those who left a mark on the judges who were on the panel at the time, namely Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan.His breathtaking rendition of Nessun Dorma brought the audience to their feet and earned him high acclaim from Simon, who shared his surprise: "So you work at Carphone Warehouse and you did that, I was not expecting that. This was a complete breath of fresh air, I thought you were absolutely fantastic." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.After triumphing over six-year-old singing sensation Connie Talbot, Paul has seen his career reach new heights, including the honour of having his life story turned into a BBC film starring Gavin & Stacey star James Corden.
What is the opera singer doing now?
The singer hasn't shied away from TV appearances following his historic BGT triumph. He extended his talent competition experience by participating in America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019 he secured 12th place out of 50 contestants.
In 2022, Paul participated in the German edition of The Masked Singer, concealing his identity behind the Koala costume. Upon the reveal of his involvement on Instagram, Paul confessed: "I had a huge amount of fun as Koala on Masked Singer Germany, some commented that I looked like I was going to be sick. I almost was before and during performance. I had a sick bucket backstage."
He elaborated: "Sure the song didn't really suit my voice, but that's the whole point of the show, to challenge yourself outside of your genre. I'm proud that I managed to still have fun and be a playful koala. The mask helps to get rid of some shyness."
Although Paul didn't emerge victorious, he extended words of encouragement to the final six contestants, urging them: "Challenge yourselves. Sure you might sing a little worse, but keep it fun in these somewhat dark times."
Interestingly, Paul's life story was adapted into a biopic, One Chance, starring James Corden as Paul. The documentary casts light on his path from a humble upbringing to his ascent to fame via the platform of Britain's Got Talent.
Looking back at James Corden's representation of him, Paul commented: "It was quite interesting to see James Corden try to take on Nessun Dorma and pick up some of my mannerisms. The strangest thing for me was seeing his mouth moving, but my voice coming out of it."
Additionally, the film boasted the presence of Grammy award-winner Taylor Swift, who created and performed the song Sweeter than Fiction specifically for the biopic. Regarding her input in the project, Taylor Swift revealed her drive, noting: "Getting to see the struggles and triumphs of someone who never stopped chasing what he was after really inspired me. It's a beautiful movie and I just wanted to share it with everybody."
The Daily Mail reported on Paul's upgrade from a modest £60,000 terraced house to a lavish mansion. Remaining true to his roots despite his prosperity, Paul still chose to reside in Port Talbot, his hometown.
His luxurious new home reportedly boats a multitude of bedrooms, a hot tub bath, extensive gardens, and a wood-panelled entrance hall.
In conversation with the Western Mail, he said: "We have some work to do to get it to its former glory, but it's ours and will be home for us. We can truly see ourselves living the remainder of our days here. From the roof garden, towards the end of the day, I watch the sun set over Mumbles and Swansea Bay. It truly was a sight to behold, and most of all, after a very full 15 months, it was ours."
Paul's significant other is Julie-Ann, whom he found through the marvels of online connection back in 2003. With the start of 2023, the BGT winner playfully celebrated his longstanding relationship as they marked 20 years together. Gazing fondly at a throwback photo from their nuptials, Paul joked: "Twenty years ago today. Julz has my every sympathy."
