FRIENDS of Leeward Francis could be forgiven for not recognising their pal when he appears on television on Saturday night.

For the Preston singer will be transformed into his pop idol - Seal - when he takes to the stage in ITV's Stars In Their Eyes.

As well as making his TV debut, the jazz-funk singer also has other ambitions - to make music with his all-time favourite pop star Janet Jackson.

Leeward A sculptor, of Rose Lane, Ribbleton, braved a live audience at Granada studios in Manchester last June when he recorded the show and admitted he was a little bit nervous.

He said: "It was nerve-racking but good fun too. I've wanted to star on the programme for ages - it's a dream come true."

Leeward also plays saxophone in a band called Images and his number one ambition is to sing with Janet Jackson.

He's dedicated a song and video, called JJ, to the American singer and plans to send it to her through her fan club.

He added: "She's a great singer with a beautiful voice. She's also a fantastic dancer."

Anyone wanting to know if Leeward won the show will have to watch it on Saturday. He said: "I'm not revealing anything," he said.

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