We were not expecting that, said Simon Cowell after amateur opera singer Paul Potts walked into an ­audition for ITV s Britain s Got Talent last year. Amanda Holden was moved to tears and media mogul Piers Morgan dubbed Paul s voice incredible . The 37

We were not expecting that," said Simon Cowell after amateur opera singer Paul Potts walked into an ­audition for ITV's Britain's Got Talent last year.

Amanda Holden was moved to tears and media mogul Piers Morgan dubbed Paul's voice 'incredible'.

The 37-year-old phone salesman from Bristol went on to win the competition with two million votes, and as part of his 2008 tour will be visiting Cambridge next week.

Paul has been singing since he could talk, and says his mother recalls him listening to the theme from ET and conducting an ­imaginary orchestra with sticks.

The talented singer was bullied at school for being 'different' but by the time he was 11 Paul was part of one of the best church choirs in Bristol.

He performed at an amateur level with the Bath Opera but his lack of self esteem and fear of rejection stopped him from trying to make it professionally - until now.

Less than a week after winning the show Paul flew to New York to ­perform at the Plaza for NBC's Today show before returning to the UK to start work on his album One Chance.

He has sung all over the world, with fans in Australia, Brazil, and America to name but a few, and as part of his competition prize Paul performed in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance in December.

Paul will be singing at the ­Cambridge Corn Exchange on ­Monday, January 21, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £23.50 and are ­available form the box office on 01223 357851.