The Singing Pensioner

During the Christmas period I've been reflecting on my experience and involvement in The Singing Pensioner competition on The Alan Titchmarsh Show in November and December. And WHAT an experience it was! For those who don't already know the story, here is the short version...

"A few weeks ago I came home from work and flopped down in front of the TV to unwind. The Alan Titchmarsh Show was on and there was a competition to find ‘The Singing Pensioner’. I watched the second of three heats and at the end of the show there was a request for other prospective contestants to send in a track and biography. I immediately went to my computer and sent off both. A couple of days later I had a phone call from the producer to ask if I could go to London to take part in the show and third heat on the 10th November. I travelled to London and sang ‘Cry Me a River’ in the heat... and won!

The final of the competition was on the Alan Titchmarsh Show on 24th November. I sang ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps’, a classic track from the Doris Day songbook... and I won the competition! The prize for the winner of the competition was to record a single - ‘White Christmas’ with the Chelsea Pensioners. This track was recorded at Pinewood Studios the day following the final, and was released on Monday 13th December. I sang it live with the Chelsea Pensioners on the Alan Titchmarsh Show that day to launch the track, with the aim for the single to be a contender for the Christmas number 1 slot"

The excitement generated by the competition, and eventually winning it, was brilliant and I loved every minute, with loads of support from friends and family, who all rallied round and bought the single when it was released. Throughout the whole experience I had an absolute ball, and the main thing I was hoping for was that the exposure on national television and the resulting media interest would bring me more work and opportunities. However, due to extreme weather conditions and also having flu has led to cancellations rather than bookings! I do have some plans for this year and am hopeful that I will be able to increase my profile on the jazz scene both locally and nationally. Thanks again for all your support!