A LEYLAND lad who sang his heart out on television's Pop Idol has shed stacks of weight after being shot down by pop guru Pete Waterman for being too fat!

Now Lee Parkinson, 18, of Boundary Street, is ready for a come-back after losing nearly four stone.

Plucky Lee was having singing lessons for a couple of years before auditioning for the ITV show in Manchester where he performed the Wet Wet Wet song Love is All Around in front of the notorious panel of judges Simon Cowell, Nicky Chapman, Dr Fox and Pete Waterman.

"I was really nervous, there were a few thousand people trying out and I had got through from the first stage and sang in front of the production team and Nasty Nigel -- who was actually really nice," said Lee.

"This was my chance and you walk into a little room and they sit at a table in front of you. I thought I did well. Pete Waterman said I had a really good voice but that I needed to lose four stone."

Lee was struck dumb by Mr Waterman's comments -- the man behind stars such as Kylie -- but took up his advice and joined Weightwatchers.

"My target is to lose another stone-and-a-half," said Lee. "I think Rik Waller did well to stick it out, but I'm enjoying going to the gym and my confidence is building."

The next Pop Idol is scheduled for sometime in the Autumn and Lee is determined to make a go of it.

Lee, who studies travel and tourism at Preston College, St Vincent's Road, has got his heart set on becoming a pop star.

"It's my dream and I would love to be successful like Will Young -- I think he has a really strong voice," he said.