Paul Manners Interview By Scott McGlynn

Paul Manners came to our screen in 2015 on Britain’s Got Talent, The success he has since the show has been a journey, from UK gigs, ITV shows and now his new signed record label…

Scott: You was a big hit on last year’s BGT, how has life been since the show?

Paul: It has been amazing with so much to come. I am ever so grateful to learn that Peter Andre wrote an article on me in his New! Magazine column. I appreciate everyone remembering me and knowing that I have so much to give to others. I have since been onstage at Clacton’s first beach festival with 50,000 people attending, school visits, performed at dick de vigne’s nightclub in South-end (not far short of maximum capacity), sung at various weddings/anniversaries, DJ’d at nightclubs, played various celebrity charity football matches for wonderful causes who are in desperate need of support, performed on stage in Hyde Park at Winter Wonderland and appeared on red carpets.

Scott: How was the audition process?

Paul: I originally auditioned at the Excel, London before Christmas 2014 with my song ‘Inspirational’. It was great to receive the phone call asking for me to attend judge’s auditions. Things did get a bit awkward though when my audition date was changed, sent to Manchester and I was advised by the production team to do my livelier song ‘Hold You In My Arms’. I absolutely enjoyed entertaining during my main audition although I was put outside of my comfort zone; the massive speaker that made the buzzing sound behind the backdrop kept making me jump and the microphone which I had to use. It was also lovely to be recognised by Dec before walking onto the stage, he said to me “I’ve seen you somewhere before”. I can’t remember where I had met him before, may have been watching in the audience on a previous show or performing in central London on a night out. After receiving three yeses I was asked to return to the deliberation round with a phone call from Simon Cowell and David Walliams. The conversation was hilarious. After my audition aired I was notified by several fans that Stephen Mulhern had mentioned this phone call on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, to which I had called up the production team to not authorize the airing of the phone call as I was not told that it was being recorded at the time. My interview with Stephen Mulhern was also never aired on ITV 2, it was so funny to film; we ripped into each other with plenty of banter. It’s a shame it was never aired though and I would love to see myself presenting a show sometime. A few days later I was asked by the production team if I would be the semi-final reserve act for the live shows. I had to attend rehearsals at Thames Television HQ and sign a pre-record contract with syco/sony. It was a shame that it didn’t go through but I would like to thank everyone for their support. During every live show I kept getting hundreds of messages by people wishing I was in the finals. I would love to work up to a point where I would perform as a guest on the show sometime, without forgetting the words! Lol

Scott: Congratulations on the new record label deal, what can you tell us about it?

Paul: It’s with major independent label CO Records UK. I had a meeting at The Dorchester in Park Lane, London on Friday 1st July to discuss & sign the contract. The deal is for one single, 6 months.

Scott: Your EP “Hold You In My Arms” was a hit on Itunes, Will you be carrying on with that style of music?

Paul: Like my current EP, I love doing variety. I shall be exploring all styles with my own personal touch. I love it when others enjoy what I do and can relate to it. You’ll have to wait and see what’s instore for my next single.

Scott: Have you got any gigs coming up? If so where can we be seeing you?

Paul: Any events can be found on google or my website, paulmofficial.com. With my record contract, we will be building up to a gig at the O2 Arena, London in November sometime; which is what I’ve been told by the label.

Scott: You’ve met some great people over the last year who was you star struck by the most?

Paul: I’m just myself and always calm when I meet other great people, but after BGT I was asked to DJ/host a family birthday party to which Shona McGarty (Eastenders) was a guest as it was for her cousin. It took us ages to say hello to each other as I guess we were both star struck of one another but it turned out to be a great knees up. It is always lovely to meet great people who think of others and are down to earth.

Scott: We saw you on Judge Rinder earlier this year, how was that? Is everything OK with your father now?

Paul: Everything has always been ok with Dad. He has always been there for me. It was a great experience and a privilege to have the wonderful support from all the ITV Manchester studios production team. They had contacted me mentioning that they loved me on BGT and would I be interested to come on the show with a true story. I had then asked Dad if he would like to appear on television and he agreed. During filming when I saw a picture of mum, I broke down; thinking how I wish she was still here today.

Scott: Who’s your favourite artist at the moment?

Paul: I love the dance track which is currently No. 1 in the UK charts ‘This girl – Kungs vs cookin’ on 3 burners’, what a tune! I don’t have a favourite artist but love others who are down to earth, work hard with a smile and positive.

Scott: What can we expect from you in 2016?

Paul: Lots of hard work, entertainment and making a positive difference. Thank you all for being there.

I dont own any rights of images used in this interview

Join Paul on his social media…

Twitter – Tweet Paul Manners

Facebook – Fan Page

Have any questions for Paul? Please leave in the comments below…