Chris Scripps, trade support executive for Celebrity Cruises, was the star of the small screen as a competitor in a reality TV show.
Scripps performed as a contestant on the first episode of the second series of Starstruck – an ITV singing programme in which members of the public impersonate celebrities – which aired on Saturday, February 18.
He took to the stage as Sam Smith in front of a studio audience and celebrity judges Adam Lambert, Shania Twain, Beverly Knight and Jason Manford.
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His performance was well received, earning him a place in the episode’s final where he competed against two other Sam Smith impersonators each hoping to be crowned the winner via an audience vote, which Scripps was.
He will perform again in the grand final of the show on April 1 where he will compete to be crowned the overall winner and take home £50,000.
Dad-of-two Scripps, who has loved singing since he was a child, said the “once-in-a-lifetime experience” was “surreal” and “mind-blowing”.
“I’m used to the nine to five, mad school runs, traffic on the commute, after school clubs, dinner, chores, then passing out on the sofa when everything is done,” he said.
“To go from that to a professional TV studio with hair, make-up, private dressing rooms and show runners asking if I needed anything every five minutes, it blew my mind.
“Friends and family have been so supportive and my boss has been great along this whole process.
“I’ve had the flexibility to move days off and take last-minute leave so I’m really grateful as I know not many employers would be so accommodating.
“Celebrity tries to promote a great work life balance and this has been a testament to that company pledge.”
When asked what he would do if he won the money, Scripps said: “I would love to own my own home, times are tough for a lot of people out there so to have that stability and protection for my children would be my ultimate dream come true; although, the devil on my shoulder would be screaming to buy 10-night Galapagos sailing on Celebrity Flora!”