Coronation Street actor and winner of this years Soapstar Superstar, Antony Cotton, is upset that he didn’t get offered any record deals since leaving the show.

But he said: “I did think maybe I’ll get one that I can turn down. But nothing. Not one. I’m gutted.”

Are you really surprised Antony? You aren’t exactly Shayne Ward!

Soapstar Superstar winner and Coronation street actor, Antony Cotton has spoken out against rival TV show Big Brother. Antony has revealed that he thinks his ITV show wiped the floor with Celebrity Big Brother because Big Brother “insults” its viewers.

He said: “I’m a massive Big Brother fan, but they’ve not treated their audience with any respect, and you can’t insult your audience like that.

“Soapstar Superstar was a success because every person in there could sing, it wasn’t just a show about us being famous.”

And Antony reckons with the death of reality show will come the return of good old-fashioned light entertainment.

“I think now is the time for things to come full circle, that’s why light entertainment shows are becoming such a success.”

 

There was so much excitement in the air as we reached our final night with both Antony Cotton and Hayley Tamaddon giving their best as they battled it out for the winning of the Soapstar Superstar competition and the cheque for at least fifty thousand pounds for their favourite charity.
 

 

With Zoë Ball hosting the show and the four judges, Billy Sammeth, Martine McCutcheon, Chris Cowey and Michael Ball waiting for the battle to begin, Hayley opened the show with the best of her songs to date, ‘Jump,’ dressed in a stunning short skirted shimmering black and silver dress. She really does give chills and goose bumps as her pure voice fills the room.  She radiated as she thrilled the audience with her perfect version of ‘Jump’ bringing compliments from the judges such as Michael’s ‘I have watched you blossom and am so proud of you’ and Chris ‘Your talent and joy is infectious.’  Billy and Martine thought she was fantastic saying ‘great things come in small packages and your performance was perfect.’  Martine said ‘you have so much passion and energy.’
 

Antony Cotton stated that last night was the most nerve wracking experience of his life and he felt tired and delusional. Yet the judges stated that it was a show stopper. He was shocked and thrilled when he made it through to the finals. Tonight he sang his best song of the competition ‘Mad World’, effortlessly with complete control and every word clear in perfect timing, thrilling us all.  The judges said he came over as sincere and gave a perfect performance and it was as beautiful tonight as it was before.  Martine said ‘you were great, great, great’ and Chris, ‘a classy act, very well done it was brilliant.’  Great charisma and you two are not making it easy for us, were other comments.
 

We were then entertained by the six girl contestants making up a Soapstar Superstar girl band as they sang the Atomic Kittens’ ‘You can’t make me whole again’ and they were fantastic. They could give Girls Aloud some competition.
 

A Soapstar Superstar band was made up of the five male contestants singing Boyzone’s ‘Love me for a reason.’   Both bands were brilliant.  Westlife beware.
 

Zoë continuously called for votes saying that it was a very, very close competition.
 

Many celebs came forward to encourage the finalists from the soapies and TV
 

Hayley and Antony continued to sing the songs ‘that got away’ but the second choice was their own
 

Hayley sang ‘It feels like I’m in love’ bringing very positive remarks from the judges. Michael said he loved it all but hated the fact that he would not be hearing Hayley sing every night.  Martine said she was an amazing little star and Billy stated that she was his superstar. Chris said ‘you nailed it, another five star performance.’
Richard Fleischmann, last year’s winner, entertained us playing the grand piano and singing.  He was marvellous.  Last year he received a cheque for two hundred thousand pounds for the Kirsty Appeal, his choice of charity.
 

Antony’s third song, his favourite of the series, ‘Copacabana,’ was excellent and as entertaining as ever.
 

Hayley chose ‘It must have been Love’ wearing a stunning long white dress and sang beautifully with her warm, vibrant voice.
 

These were their last songs as finalists but the winner would sing a final song.
 

After the two finalists were brought back onto the stage, a stunned Antony was crowned the Soapstar Superstar 2007 winner and ended the evening by singing ‘Daniel’ and receiving a cheque for two hundred thousand pounds for his favourite charity. We are sure our lovely Hayley has a wonderful future in the music world.  She had been tipped to win.
 

This has been a life changing experience for many of the contestants and wonderful entertainment for the viewers.
 

Evelyn Lewis
 

For any Hayley and Antony (or even Tupele) fans out there,you might want to get a copy of the Soapstar Superstar 2007 cd from this years Soapstar Superstar.

Tracks include

1. Fields of Gold – Gemma Atkinson ,Hollyoaks
2. Son of a Preacher Man – Hayley Tammadon ,Coronation St
3. Hot Stuff – Jane Danson ,Coronation St.
4. Get Here – Tupele Dorgu ,Coronation St.
5. Bad Day – Matthew Wolfenden, Emmerdale
6. It’s a Heartache – Elaine Lourdon, Eastenders
7. Rise – Verity Rushworth , Emmerdale
8. Tears in Heaven – Alan Fletcher, Neighbours
9. Mrs. Robinson – Ben Freeman , Emmerdale
10. When You Say Nothing At All – Antony Cotton , Coronation St.
11. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Mark Furze, Home & Away
12. Moondance – Richard Fleeshman , Winner 2006
13. Whole Again – The Girls
14. Love Me For A Reason – The Boys

Follow the link below

Soapstar Superstar 2007

Soapstar Superstar winner Antony Cotton has impressed all the right people at ITV this week.

Late last year plans for a new chat show hosted by Bradley Walsh were scrapped after a dire pilot episode, but it appears that ITV have now found their man!

An insider said: “Antony is a great performer, a natural showman.

“The amount of public support for him was amazing and made everyone realise just how many fans he has.”

What a shock! Antony Cotton has won Soapstar Superstar 2007.

I like Antony….who wouldn’t? But compared to Hayley Tamaddon and last years winner Richard Fleeshman he doesn’t quite make the grade. He has loads of personality and he has a decent voice, but Hayley has a fabulous voice, with energy to burn. I can’t help think that the wrong person won, but then the people of Britain did vote for him, so who am I to criticise!

An incredible evening, hosted by Zoe BAll, of the most outstanding performances by the three finalists who had to sing three songs each and dance in their final appearance while singing.

Corrie’s Tupele (in the bottom two for the fifth time)and Antony Cotton, went head to head with Antony saved by public vote to join Hayley Tamaddon and Mark Furze in the semi finals.  Tomorrow night only two will be battling it out in the final to win the Soapstar Superstar competition.

The contestants have been trained by the Vocal Academy based in Manchester with judges Chris Cowey and Michael Ball helping with West end performances and the dancing.

Although all three stars were outstanding, once again Hayley stole the show, especially with Janet Jackson’s ‘Together again’.  All the contestants have been very fortunate to have the outstanding training given to them throughout the contest by Soapstar Superstar, as we have watched their growth and radical improvement day by day.  They have had to put in 13 hours of training a day, with dress rehearsals at 6pm and the live show at 9pm and still fit in interviews.

It has been said that Antony Cotton could have his own variety show as he is such a talented, versatile and entertaining person.

Mark Furze could make a profession of his music anywhere in the world.

Hayley is an absolute superstar with her beautiful, pure voice, passion and all round talent.  She is the favourite to win.

The judges have been fantastic too.  Chris Cowey, Billy Sammeth, Michael Ball and Martine Mc Cutcheon have entertained us with their witty remarks, constructive criticism and all round good humour.  The judging has been of a high standard.

The introduction of dancing with the semi-finalists third and last song, was a brilliant idea and most entertaining.  Mark Furze was not very enthused by the idea and did not give it his best, although all three were exhausted after the long day of training. Having said that, all three were brilliant.

Tomorrow night at the earlier time of 1745 and later at 21.20 for the crowning of either Hayley or Antony, we will be fortunate enough to see both these stars perform once again on UTV.

Evelyn Lewis.

 

Soapstar Superstar. Fabulous Hayley Tamaddon was the star of the show tonight with the beautiful Gemma Atkinson voted out.
It is anyone’s game now as the voting results are very close. Tupelo Dorgu went head to head with Gemma tonight with Tupela staying another night.
Friday will be semi finals night with Mark Furze (safe thanks to Gemma), Hayley Tamaddon and either Tupelo or Antony Cotton.  Both performed exceptionally well, as did Mark and Hayley and anyone could have landed in the bottom two to suffer the 24 wait to see who will be voted out and then, no recovery time, go on stage to open the show.  (Heartless.)
David Gest was his usual amusing self and brought a bit of humour to the show as did Antony when hitting back at a judge’s remarks. All the contestants were brilliant but  Hayley’s performance, especially her first number, was pure beauty giving chills and goose bumps. What an amazing voice and performance. Even Zoë Ball, hosting the show, remarked on getting goose bumps from Hayley’s powerful, emotional and stirring singing.
The contestants will be dancing in the Friday night Semi Finals as well as singing.
A recent survey of Reality viewers showed Soapstar Superstar with five million ITV viewers on their launch night, Just the two of us (now finished) with 4.3 million BBC1 viewers and BB on their first Friday night with 3.9 million. On Channel 4.

On Saturday BB dropped to 2.8 viewers and Soapstar Superstar (finishes Saturday) got 4.3 million. And Just the Two of Us got tops with 4.6 million.  Competition has been tough amongst the reality shows.
Evelyn Lewis

Soapstar Superstar. Versatile Antony Cotton steals the show and Alan Fletcher (Neighbours’ Dr Cole) voted out with Tupele saved for another night.
An amazing and entertaining Antony Cotton stole the show tonight with both his performances, especially his Shirley Bassy medley, showing his versatility, highly entertaining talents and marvellous voice.  An all round winner earning from the judges and audience, thundering applause and a standing ovation.  For once, even Mark Furz (Home and Away) faded into the background.
Mark was saved by Leon Lopez from the public vote with Hayley and Antony making it through after the public votes were counted.  In the bottom two we have two excellent performers, Gemma Atkinson and Tupele Dorgu for the fourth time. It is very hard on the contestants in the bottom two to have to wait 24 hours for the results and then, if they make it through, have to go on stage immediately to open the show.  What a double disadvantage.  Some one will have to go but all the remaining contestants are brilliant.
We will have a guest judge at the next show, David Gest from Celebrity Jungle and ex husband of Liza Minelli while judge Michael trains the remaining contestants in West End performances, as each will have to sing a song chosen by the public and also a Broadway West End number.

Richard Fleeshman was the viewers’ Soapstar Superstar for 2006 - but who will win the viewers’ vote and take the accolade in the new series of the hit event?

The newest series of Soapstar Superstar launches tomorrow night on ITV1.

Zoe Ball hosts the new series that will see some of the UK’s favourite soap stars take to the stage nightly and go head-to-head to become a singing superstar.

Facing the ultimate sing-off in 2007 is:

Gemma Atkinson (Lisa Hunter - Hollyoaks In The City)
Antony Cotton (Sean Tully - Coronation Street)
Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby - Coronation Street)
Tupele Dorgu (Kelly Crabtree - Coronation Street)
Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy - Neighbours)
Leon Lopez (Scott Windsor - Emmerdale)
Mark Furze (Eric ‘Ric’ Dalby - Home & Away)
Elaine Lordan (Lynne Hobbs - EastEnders)
Verity Rushworth (Donna Windsor-Dingle - Emmerdale)
Hayley Tamaddon (Delilah Dingle - Emmerdale)
Matthew Wolfenden (David Metcalf - Emmerdale)

And the plot thickens as it will be the viewers who have the ultimate control; not only do they vote to save their favourite soapstar they also get to choose the songs they will be singing.

With commentary from our panel of expert judges and a rehearsal schedule that sees each artist learning their selected song in just
24 hours, the drama won’t be confined to the stage.

Antony Cotton (Sean Tully, Coronation Street)

What is your favourite music style?
My favourite music style is pop.

What is your earliest singing memory?
I’ve got a recording of me and my brother singing ‘Away in a Manger’ when I was about three, and I sing with a lisp. That was at home on one of them huge massive tape-to-tape kind of record combo style things. One of those things that had a big lift-up lid. And we did that on that and we’ve still got that recording of me and my brother singing ‘Away in a Manger’.

Who would you compare yourself with musically?
Apparently, I sound a bit like Neil Sedaka. In case I can’t live up to that when I’m in the show, say I sound like Benny Hill. But if I sound alright, Neil Sedaka.

What can the audience expect from you?
Well, I suppose singing is the word du jour; a bit of singing.

Will they see a good stage performance?
Well I don’t know, yeah, just singing, and hopefully not being too nervous when I come on.

What do you think your character would think of you doing the show?
I think Sean would be spitting sick with jealousy.

How do you think your family will react to the news that you’re doing the show?
Well of course, I’ve not told anybody, but my mum and dad are delighted.

Did you watch last year?
I did. I went to the studio with Jennie McAlpine, I think I was in the audience about three times.

Did you enjoy it?
I did, I loved it.

It has been revealed that Zoe Ball will be the new host of this years series of Soapstar Superstar.

Zoe said: “As a huge soap fan – I have watched Coronation Street since I was a little girl and I watched it with my Nan – I was a huge fan of Soapstar Superstar last year.

“I nearly wet my pants when I was asked to host it this time. I can’t wait to get all the inside gossip at the show and see who’s the prima donna, who’s the saucy one, who’s the trouble- causer.

“Of course I won’t be showing any bias, although as I’ve already mentioned I am a huge Coronation Street fan!

“I am very excited about the show – the only thing you won’t catch me doing is singing – because I have the worst singing voice ever!�

Executive Producer Rachel Ashdown said: “This year we have some singers in the competition who have never sung on television before so there are sure to be some great surprises.

“You might think you know the soap stars from what you see in your favourite soaps but you will be blown away by just how talented this bunch is.

“This is the show were the viewers really are in control and ultimately they will pick their winner.

“I think the soap stars are really excited, but with the show going live on January 5th they better not be doing too much shouting at New Year’s Eve!

“There aren’t many shows as ambitious as this on television but we had a brilliant team who made it last year and have come back for more this time.â€?

Soapstar Superstar will be shown on ITV1, Friday 5th January 2007, 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. For the full list of who is taking part click here