Age: 19
Job: Actor
Location: Leicester

“I would love to play Danny though because he’s a bit like me. He’s has this cool tough exterior but is soft on the inside and is actually quite vulnerable and confused about his emotions.”

The Story So Far…

* David Ian thought that he was fantastic at his first audition: “A real life Danny.” David Gest was concerned that his voice wasn’t strong enough, “I’m not going for average.” Brian really liked his dancing.

* Following Tom’s singing audition the vocal coach told him he would have to start doing some breathing exercises, to give him a richer sound.

* On the Final day of bootcamp David Ian said that he was ‘Unbelievable’; Sinitta believed they looked in love, while Brian thought he gave a really theatrical performance.

* As they sent Tom to the live show, they told him he’d showed them star quality, and that he’d be great on the final day.

History

* Tom was born and raised in Leicester and lives with his mother and step-father. He also has a sister, who is a music teacher.

* Tom has been singing for seven years. He has worked on cruise ships, as well as appearing at the Leicester Haymarket theatre.

What’s your best job been?

“My best job was as a singer on a cruise ship. I got to see the world and get paid, at just 18! Bonus!”

What made you apply for Grease?

“I’ve always loved the show and the film and really wanted to see how far I could get. I didn’t really enter the competition with serious ambition but as it has progressed and I have got through each round I’ve been taking it more seriously. Now obviously it is my number one priority.”

Have you had a background in theatre?

“I started in amateur theatre and then did a professional production of Oliver at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre when I was 12, in which I played the part of the Artful Dodger. After I left school I got a job on a cruise ship followed by playing Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz at the Haymarket Theatre Leicester.”

How does it feel to have got this far?

“I never thought I would get this far. I thought I would be dismissed as being too young or too inexperienced. I really just want to get as far as I can now.”

Has it been a difficult journey for you to get to this stage?

“I never thought I would get to this stage so I’ve never been counting on getting through. I do feel a lot of pressure from the people around me because they all want me to do well and they all think I will win. The last day of Bootcamp was very emotional because it had been such a difficult few days and I had to wait forever. And when they said I got through I cried! I never ever cry!”

What will you miss most about home?

“Getting my washing done for me! Also the pool hall in Leicester. I need to play pool quite regularly as it calms me down – Bizarre I know!”

What makes you think you can be the next Danny?

“Because I am the right age and I have a boyish charm! And I think I am very driven but also very good to work with. I think I have the ability to play the part and I hope that people will like me.”

What does it mean to you to play Danny?

“I played Danny once before when I did it at School and it was the most fun I’ve ever had doing a show. The show is brilliant and just to be involved in any way would be awesome. I would love to play Danny though because I think he’s a bit like me. He’s quite hard on the outside and has this cool tough exterior but quite soft on the inside and is actually quite vulnerable and confused about his emotions.”

What’s your ultimate ambition?

“My ultimate goal in publishing is to have a song that goes to number one and have a theme tune that makes me loads of money!! And to write the new National Anthem.”

What do you think of the judges?

I respect David Ian and the authority and professionalism that he brings to his decisions. I think Sinitta is gorgeous and I don’t think anyone would have a bad word to say about her. Brian has obviously achieved the height of his profession at a very young age which is something I admire a lot and something that I aspire to.”