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Paul's a winner after Will's support
A MESSAGE of support from pop idol Will Young made Leyland builder Paul Duckworth feel a winner – despite being beaten to the top prize in the Stars In Their Eyes final at the weekend.
The 20-year-old, from Dunkirk Lane, netted 16,826 votes in Saturday's night's live final with his performance of chart-topping hit 'Light My Fire' only to see his hopes go up in flames with wildcard entry Gordon Hendrix, who sang 'Suspiscious Minds' as Elvis Presley, being crowned the winner.
But Paul's evening was made complete when host Cat Deeley read out a message of support from his idol after his performance at Granada Studios in Manchester.
He wished the local lad the best of luck in the final and joked: "Next time, wear a suit!"
Paul said: "That came as a complete surprise, but it was nice to know that he thinks I am a good singer and it was great that he took the time out to send the message.
"It was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience and even though I did not win I would still go and do it all again tomorrow because it has been an amazing few months.
"I do not usually have any problems with nerves, but I got halfway through my performance and suddenly thought that it was going out live to millions across the country so I had a couple of nerves – but I was really happy with my performance."
His mother and father, Karen and Paul, sister Charlotte, 16, brother Craig, 22, and girlfriend Louise Mashiter, of Lostock Hall, were in the studio audience for the final screened on ITV1 on Saturday teatime.
But, while there was disappointment when the result of the public vote came through two hours later, there was also pride having made it through from 40,000 hopefuls who applied to make it to the last 10 who appeared in the final.
He now heads off on a five-and-a-half-month nationwide concert tour with five other semi-finalists from the last and present series of the show.
Paul said: "Singing professionally is something I have always wanted to do and hopefully this will give me the platform I need to take it on, I would have to jack in the building trade if I make it – but that would be a small price to follow my dream."
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Weather for Leyland
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
