A PLASTERER is set for fame and fortune after getting through to the final of a TV show to find the nation's stars of the future.

Family and friends were glued to the television in Stanley Street, Oswaldtwistle, as they watched Stephen Gaunt, 43, serenade Scary Spice Melanie B with a rousing rendition of Bring Him Home, from the hit musical Les Miserables.

He was one of 100,000 hopefuls who called the This Is My Moment hot line and was delighted to be one of the 50 contestants selected to appear on the show recorded last Sunday.

Stephen's efforts paid off after he was chosen with four other winners to appear on Saturday's final, where he will be given the chance to win thousands of pounds.

The overall winner will receive 50p per vote and Stephen is hoping to better the two previous stars in the making, who won £40,000 and £188,000.

He said: "This was my perfect moment and it was fantastic even to get this far. And Mel B is not scary at all.

"She is really bubbly, bright and down to earth with bags of encouragement. Anybody who has a dream should just go for it as you never know what is around the corner."

Stephen proved life begins at 40 when he gave up his plastering job to pursue his dream of becoming a singer and actor.

He enrolled at the Guildford School of Acting, where he gained a diploma in acting with distinction and went on to tour with a production of 42nd Street as assistant stage manager.

The wannabee star is now living in Colchester, where he divides his time between acting and working as a plasterer.

Proud mum Patricia Gaunt, of Stanley Street, said: "I am over the moon and I can't eat or sleep because it's all so nerve-racking.

"Even if he doesn't win this could open more doors for him and I am so happy for him for getting through to the final."

Viewers can see Stephen's performance on Saturday night's live show on ITV at 8.15pm.