MUSICIAN Paul Nicholson always has stars in his eyes, playing in the cult TV lookalikes' show band.

The 20-years-old mechanical engineering student at UMIST was recruited by a talent spotter from Granada as he auditioned for an agent at a local club.

The Leigh lad now plays keyboard and guitar backing the artists who appear on Stars in Their Eyes, including the I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here special.

Leigh club-goers have the chance to see Paul, who performs on the North West cabaret circuit under the name of Paul James, when he makes his debut at Leigh Labour Club on Saturday (November 8) at 8pm.

Paul, of Chestnut Drive South, has been playing music from the age of seven when his parents Margaret and Dave bought older brother, Chris, a keyboard.

Chris lost interest but Paul took it up and gained exams to grade 8 and a teaching diploma.

Three years ago he and his friends formed a band, Utopia, covering pop favourites from Oasis and the Beatles.

He then went solo, performing on the club circuit, and while auditioning was spotted by Granada TV.

As a result of his TV work he has met a galaxy of stars including punk's high priestess, Toyah, ex-footballer John Fashanu and psychic Uri Geller as well as show host, Matthew Kelly.

Paul said: "Matthew is a really nice guy who brings round the chocolate bars for everyone. They are all so friendly and down to earth."

Paul now balances his music with studies in Manchester and relaxes listening to a variety of music from Radiohead to Queen and classics.

Despite his rapid ascent to the small screen Paul seems to have no stars in his own eyes.

He said: "It's not that glamorous, when I'm performing for Stars in Their Eyes there's a lot of waiting around. It's a hard business to get into so if it happens it happens. When I finish my degree I'll see what happens and if the opportunity arises I'll take it."