LOWTON singer Martin Gregory Lambert stole the show at the Ritz winning yet another talent competition in his quest for fame.

Competing at Hull's Ritz Bar Martin, who has been compared to Michael Ball, was the only outsider in the event and walked away with the £1,600 prize money.

Performing last of nine contestants he captured the audience with his stunning vocals and humour and wowed the eight judges whose remark sheets praised his "star quality" and "exceptional style".

Now Newton Road-based part-time florist, Martin, 32, is hoping to be accepted for a new TV talent competition "The Fame Academy" which will be judged on the lines of "Big Brother" -- with contestants being voted out.

In 2000 the former Journal "Stars in Their Eyes" winner was surprised when Cruise discovery, Jane MacDonald, stepped into his wife Jane's Amaryllis flower shop and invited him to take part in the BBC talent show "Star For a Night".

Now, the lad who has been performing since the age of seven, is looking forward to competing in the semi-finals of another competition in Eccles and auditions for the new TV show.

Martin, who has a great local following, said: "I'm still waiting for that lucky break in to the big time."