IT was as an aspiring singer that South Yorkshire's Sam Nixon sprung to fame four years ago when he made it through to the final three in Pop Idol.
And even though Sam is now a well established children's TV presenter he still likes to sing.
Now he is to return to his hometown of Barnsley next month - as frontman of a new rock band.
Former catering student Sam was beaten to the Pop Idol crown
but did go on to have a number one hit with fellow finalist Mark Rhodes with their version of With a Little Help from My Friends.
But after a second single Sam and Mark embarked on a highly successful career as kids' TV presenters.
The daily children's show called Level Up which Sam and Mark presented last year won a Children's BAFTA and the bubbly double-act signed a two-year deal with the BBC and are now regarded as its top Saturday morning presenters.
Sam told The Star: "It has been absolutely brilliant, we've loved every minute of it and it's incredible to think how much my life has changed since auditioning for Pop Idol, but I like to think I haven't changed at all.
Sam, aged 21, and new band Mason will appear at their first gig on Saturday June 2 at the Burn Down the Disco night at the Arches pub in Barnsley town centre.
