What does it feel like being the most famous man in Britain?

(Laughs) Fame is hard. It's like a drug. It can bring a sense of euphoria. But it doesn't necessarily bring out the best in people. I'm way, to be honest. And I feel no different this week than I did last.

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Why do you think you have become the star of this show?

I'm not the star of the show. It's Nigel. He's brilliant, much nicer than you see on the programme.
The moments where I "shine" only arise when I'm with others. So I think star quality rubs off on you.

 

Where do you get your natural confidence?

I suppose it's in my blood. From a young age I've never been afraid of expressing myself or performing. And of course the support and encouragement of my family has nurtured my confidence.

 

And what about all that wisdom and spirituality?

Again, it's from my parents. My father is a Muslim and my mother follows the Church of Scotland so I see
myself as a 'Christian enlightened by the teachings of Islam'. I am also open to the ideas of Reiki.

 

Why do you think you've been such a hit with the ladies?

I'm tall and dark. Two out of three isn't bad. (Laughs)

 

Have you had any fan mail yet?

I don't know how she got my address, but I've had one letter from a girl that said: "I think you're gorgeous, don't tell my boyfriend."

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Why do you think you didn't get through?

Looking back, the Popstars band wasn't for me. I don't think anything went wrong, the outcome is very right. I would never have fitted into a band that was perceived as manufactured. I knew that from the start and the judges knew it. I don't think I really believed in my heart that I wanted to be in the group and that's why I thank the Judges for their criticism and decision. Anyway, I'm too tall. (Laughs)

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How did it feel walking back into the waiting room knowing you were leaving the show?

To be honest it was a sense of incredible relief. I realised that my leaving was going to affect the others though. When I told them, at first, they didn't believe me. They thought I was joking. And I knew some of them saw me as supportive figure, especially Taz and Michelle. They call me Big Brother. So I felt I owed it to them to channel all the regret I felt into positive energy. I would be their lesson that they would learn so they might go on and succeed.

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What criticisms have you really taken on board?

That I try to hard sometimes. I spread myself too thinly. And I worry what people think about me too much. Most importantly I've learnt that the projection of self-confidence can easily be perceived as arrogance.

 

How did it feel having people crying over you?

I found it very moving that I could move people in such a way. It reaffirmed my belief in myself. But I was really bringing into focus the emotions and undercurrents we all had pent up inside, hidden from the lens of the camera.

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Talk us through that last evening, when you wrote your song...

Afterwards, we all went for dinner and I was suddenly inspired to write these lyrics on the paper table mat. When we went back to the hotel I went upstairs, got my guitar and worked out the chords. 10 minutes later I sang to everyone - it was a poor performance but it didn't matter because they understood what I was trying to say. It's a moment we'll all remember for the rest of our lives. Everyone scribbled on the place mat and now I have it framed on my wall at home. It's an inspiration to me.