Popstar hopes to hit the big time (From Barry And District News)

Popstar hopes to hit the big time

A TALENTED Barry teenager is on line to hit the big time in showbiz.

Jamie Shaw, 17, from the Pencoedtre Village is one of the final nine boys in Pop Star: The Rivals.

And the plucky singer is up-beat about the whole experience.

He spoke to the News from London: "This is my dream. It's been a massive roller coaster ride and I'm loving every minute of it."

Jamie is hard at work in the London house training to be a member of the boy band that will release a Christmas single.

He added: "We're all up before 7am for the voice coach and then it's off to Pete Waterman Limited or to London Weekend Television for rehearsals. We get home at about 10pm."

While the pressure is beginning to take its toll, Jamie is determined to stay in tip-top condition for the last leg. He added: "There are a few psychological sore throats as nerves get frayed. But we're all staying positive."

As for fame, Jamie is determined he will not let this experience go to his head. He added: "When you start asking for green M&Ms not red, you lose all credibility. I'm definitely going to keep my feet on the floor."

While Jamie increasingly enjoys the life of a celebrity in London, his parents Cheryl and Adrian are basking in his success. Jamie added: "My dad always wanted to be noticed, and he was just recently.

"As for me, a couple of us went to a concert and we got recognised. It was so great being mobbed by people who knew us from Rivals."

Jamie survived the first vote-out on Saturday, October 12 and is now looking forward to the next public choice.

He faces another crunch day this Saturday on ITV1. He added: "I'm confident, because I know I will do my best. I just hope everyone from home will support me."