by Peter Barnett

pbarnett@thekmgroup.com

Opera sensation Paul Potts - who is appearing at the Winter Gardens in Margate tonight (Tues Sept 1) - has fond memories of time spent at the Margate seaside during visits to the town as a small boy.

Speaking from his luxury hotel in Toronto as he waited to wow yet another audience on his 2009 world tour, the winner of the first Britain's Got Talent show in 2007 said: "I remember the sun setting behind the clocktower over the bay and what a fabulous scene it was.

"We visited Margate with my school choir and we bedded down in sleeping bags in a church hall. We also visited Broadstairs and I remember the fabulous walk back to Margate along the coast. It was glorious."

Life is good for the former mobile phone store manager - but just two years ago he was down on his luck with health and financial worries, until he let fate take control and entered the television talent show on the toss of a coin. He said: "It was that random, but I gave it my best shot. "

Paul sang Giacomo Puccini's Nessun Dorma, which wowed the judges and received a standing ovation from the 2,000-strong audience. He performed the song again to win the final and was in the recording studio within a week to begin work on his debut album.

His CD One Chance sold over three and a half million albums, rocketed to the number one spot around the globe, and paved the way for a sell-out tour in 2008.

Winner of 'Best International Artist 2009' at the Echo Awards in Germany, Paul has also become a YouTube sensation with over 74 million hits.

His link to Thanet began in 1999 when as a fledgling performer he appeared at a fund-raiser for the local Cancer Care Appeal and he made a promise to the organisers that he would return to support their efforts, a pledge he fulfilled when he starred at a Quex Prom concert at Birchington shortly after stardom came calling in 2007.

Paul's dream of singing began as a child growing up in Bristol with his parents and three siblings. Bullied and taunted at school, he joined his local church choir as an escape from the playground abuse. Then, aged 16, he bought his first opera record. He fell in love instantly and to this day La Boheme is still his favourite. In 2000, Paul spent three months in Italy, learning opera and the language and realising a lifelong dream, to sing in front of his idol, Luciano Pavarotti. With his second album Passione released this June and with recognition around the world, Paul is proud that his passionate, enchanting classical voice is reaching out to listeners who may not have considered opera.

It includes a mixture of original material along with breathtaking classics. He said: "There are many different flavours to this album, it is more classical than the first. I have worked with some amazing people in Europe to create a beautiful album full of the passion that I feel for my music.

"Opera is not just for the well-educated or the rich. I urge people to open their hearts, open their ears and allow the music to touch them.

"Music is so important to me - just 12 notes but it is so powerful. It is like an independent language and it has the power to touch you, heal you in so many ways."

Stardom has opened many doors for Paul - who failed his music O Level exam - and he recalled how he found himself backstage in the company of rock giants Genesis on their world tour in 2007. He said: "Their Chicago show was magnificent, they are fabulous musicians and great fun to be around. I was in awe - and yet there was Phil Collins saying he was concerned that his vocals that night were not note perfect because he was singing with me in the audience."

It is these treasured memories that Paul is adding to his collection as his musical journey continues. He said: "I feel like I'm living on gifted time as an artist. You don't own the time, it is given to you by your fans and public who buy your music and support you. For that I will never stop being grateful."

Paul Potts appears at Margate Winter Gardens on Tuesday, September 1, from 7.30pm. Ticket prices range from £22.50 to £27.50, contact the box office on 01843 296111.