The excitement is palpable as the 18th series of is set to hit screens this weekend. It’s been a remarkable journey since its inception in 2007, with ITV audiences having witnessed an array of exceptional talent surge onto the stage.
Acts like Diversity, Susan Boyle, and George Sampson have all launched their careers via the show’s platform. Yet, it’s the competition’s first winner who has arguably become one of the most successful stories to date.
Paul Potts left the judging trio—an awe-struck Simon Cowell, , and —gobsmacked during his initial performance.
Grasping the mic, the humble mobile phone salesman delivered a powerhouse performance of Nessun Dorma that brought the house down—leaving Amanda tearful and the audience on their feet in awe.
Reflecting on that moment, Simon remarked: “So you work at Carphone Warehouse and you did that, I was not expecting that. This was a complete breath of fresh air, I thought you were absolutely fantastic.”
Crowned the victor of that first series, with young songstress Connie Talbot in the runner-up spot, Paul’s subsequent career trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal, even inspiring a movie about his life.
Here’s the lowdown on what Paul Potts has achieved since clinching the first Britain’s Got Talent win all those years ago.
Reality TV fame
Paul Potts took part in the German version of The Masked Singer (Image: YOUTUBE)
The reality TV scene is no stranger to Paul after his Britain’s Got Talent triumph. In a standout appearance, he took part in America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019.
Paul, a well-known figure in the talent show circuit, finished the competition in 12th place, among 50 other contestants.
On Germany’s The Masked Singer, behind the Koala mask in 2022, he faced his own challenges.
Confessing to his followers on , Paul shared the nerve-wracking experience, he said: “I had a huge amount of fun as Koala on @masked.singer.germany some commented that I looked like I was going to be sick. I almost was before and during the performance. I had a sick bucket backstage.
“Sure the song didn’t really suit my voice, but that’s the whole point of the show, to challenge yourself outside of your genre. I’m proud that I managed to still have fun and be a playful koala. The mask helps to get rid of some shyness.”
He cheered on the remaining contestants, urging them to keep it light even in hard times, he added: “Challenge yourselves. Sure you might sing a little worse, but keep it fun in these somewhat dark times.”
Another feather in his cap came when he triumphed on South Korea’s Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend in 2018.
Hollywood link
Taylor Swift was part of Paul Potts’ film (Image: GETTY)
Meanwhile, Paul Potts saw his life story depicted on the big screen in the biopic One Chance, with James Corden stepping into his shoes—a testament to his far-reaching impact.
The film about Paul Potts’ life, from his simple beginnings to his rise to stardom on Britain’s Got Talent, has viewers fascinated, especially with James Corden portraying the singer.
On watching the Gavin and Stacey star play him, Paul revealed: “It was quite interesting to see James Corden try to take on Nessun Dorma and pick up some of my mannerisms. The strangest thing for me was seeing his mouth moving, but my voice coming out of it.”
Besides James, Grammy winner Taylor Swift played a significant role, composing and producing the song Sweeter than Fiction for the movie.
Taylor expressed her sentiments for the film, saying: “Getting to see the struggles and triumphs of someone who never stopped chasing what he was after really inspired me. It’s a beautiful movie and I just wanted to share it with everybody.”
Luxury mansion
Paul lives in his Welsh mansion with his wife of 20 years (Image: GETTY)
Post-victory on talent show, Paul traded his £60,000 terraced house for an opulent Welsh mansion, according to the Daily Mail.
The plush home had multiple bedrooms, a hot tub bath, an extensive garden, and a wood-panelled hallway, all while remaining in Port Talbot.
In a heartfelt interview with Western Mail, the former Britain’s Got Talent sensation Paul Potts reminisced about his significant home purchase, saying: “We have some work to do to get it to its former glory, but it’s ours and will be home for us. We can truly see ourselves living the remainder of our days here.
“From the roof garden, towards the end of the day, I watched the sun set over Mumbles and Swansea Bay. It truly was a sight to behold, and most of all, after a very full 15 months, it was ours.”
Now, Paul shares this stunning residence with his internet sweetheart and wife Julie-Ann. In 2023, the BGT star lovingly celebrated two decades with Julie, posting a nostalgic wedding day photo and playfully quipping: “Twenty years ago today. Julz has my every sympathy.”