Shayne Ward brings the X Factor to Wolverhampton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCg9caii208&feature=related

The path from X Factor to a successful pop career is a rocky one, and for every cast iron success like Leona Lewis there is the rusting wreck of a Steve Brookstein.

But Shayne Ward, the 2005 winner, is one of the success stories. He has gone on to sell three million records and late last year released a new album, Obsession.

To promote it, he's about to embark on a British tour, one that will bring the 26-year-old pop idol to Wolverhampton's Civic Hall on Tuesday, 15 March.

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But at the moment he's at home, in his living room, in London, but looking forward to getting back to work. "I took a year from the spotlight," he says, down the phone. "A step back. I was still working, and now it's nice to come back fresh."

He's been writing and recording and travelling in Asia - "it's been non-stop since the last album" - and still loves life as a professional singer. However, when asked if it's what he expected his life would become he doesn't seem sure about the answer.

"I never really had any expectations," he says. "I was never hoping for it to be like anything."

"I never expected to be doing this job," he adds. "I hope to take it as it comes."

But one thing is for certain: "I love it. I wouldn't change it, I really wouldn't."

It is hard for talent show singers to forge a career, but Ward seems to be doing well for himself. And he's making sure he isn't pigeonholed. An admirer of old school acts, such as Tony Bennett, he wants to diversify. "I want to make sure I go down other avenues than music."

With that in mind he's branching out into modelling, looking at acting, is recording and touring and has maintained a good relationship with music mogul Simon Cowell. Not that he sees him that much - "he's always off".

Does he find him intimidating? Ward laughs. "I don't find him intimidating. I know people do."

He thinks however, that Simon Cowell appreciates hard work; singers who are prepared to graft for success and not expect it on a plate. And that seems to be how Shayne Ward sees himself - a hard worker.

He's been singing since childhood, which is where his voice got noticed. "I always loved singing and people used to say 'that's good", and 'you've got a good voice'. You don't take any notice, but when people keep telling you..."

So, where does he see himself in another five years?

"I'd like to be doing a world tour in five years," says Shayne. He's had success in Europe and Asia, but now his new album is being released in America he's ready to go further.

"I feel," he says, "like I'm ready to branch out and take it to other places."