Age: 20
Job: Plasterer
Location: Rotherham

“If I were to get the part of Danny it would be all my dreams come true: a better quality of life for my family, which means so much to me. I’m going to do what it takes to get this part.”

The Story So Far…

* After Richard performed David Ian said: “You need to get into shape. Lose 10lbs before Bootcamp and pack in the cigarettes.” David Gest said: “You need so much work, it’s like tuning up an old car.”

* At Bootcamp Brian and David said that Richard had ‘excellent tone’. David Ian also said: “You have so much to learn, but you reacted well to advice, which is great.”

* The judges commented that Richard needed to work harder and also pointed out the fact that Richard has never been trained.

* On the last day of Bootcamp his performance went well and David Ian commented: “All I want to do is listen to him singing.” Sinitta thought that they had ‘amazing chemistry’. David Guest was equally impressed and commented: “He had great tone. I want to hear more of him.”

* When Richard was told he was through, he broke down crying.

History

* Richard was born and raised in Rotherham. His mum and dad are divorced and he has one sister.

* Richard has been with fiancée Emma for two years. They have a one year old daughter called Ellen who is Richard’s ‘pride and joy’.

* Richard spent four years at Gillian Banks Theatre School.

* Richard has been singing for eight years and performs in working men’s clubs. He has also performed at Sadler’s Wells and The Royal Albert Hall.

* Richard’s proudest moment was holding his baby girl Ellen in his arms for the first time.

What made you apply for Grease?

“I have always dreamed of being in the West End. When I do the clubs it frustrates me when people choose to talk while you are singing. Whereas, on the stage, people pay to watch you perform and the feeling I get inside is amazing! My mum has supported me since I was five and she would have given her last penny to help me achieve my dream.”

Is there anything that you are worried about?

“I’m worried that my voice may give in. I sometimes struggle with tonsillitis.

I’m just praying that it doesn’t happen during the show. To have got this far I can’t even express what it feels like; I’m still in a whirl. It’s so fantastic I cannot wait for the live shows. I just hope I get the chance to show the public what I can do and not buckle under the nerves.”

What would it mean to you to get the part of Danny?

“If I were to get the part of Danny it would be like all my dreams have come

True; a better quality of life for my family. I’m going to do what it takes to get this part. I have never got this close to making it before though. This is my ultimate ambition. If I were not committed to doing this I would just keep trying until I made a break-through.”

Who do you admire in the business?

“My biggest idol is Robbie Williams, I love to sing his songs. I also love

Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. My favourite musical is ‘Blood Brothers’; I have seen it so many times it’s quality. I played Micky when my theatre school did it.”

How have the judges reacted to you?

“The judges so far have been surprisingly nice to me. The worst is probably

yet to come! On my first audition David Ian told me I had to pack in the

fags and lose 10lbs! I’ve lost some weight already and have cut down on the fags!”