European dream

HE put Bargoed on the musical map after making it into BBC's Fame Academy.

Now Wales' James Fox is aiming to fly the flag for the UK in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

The talented singer-songwriter took time out to of his hectic schedule promoting the BBC show that will decide who will represent the UK in May - Making Your Mind Up - to talk about the Eurovision and what he's been up to since he left the Academy nearly six months ago.

The 27-year-old former Heolddu Comprehensive student has performed live around the country, rubbed shoulders with the stars at The Brits and has just moved into a flat with fellow former Fame Academy student Alistair in London's exclusive Chelsea district.

He says Irish popstar Ronan Keating is a "humble bloke", prefers a pint in his local to celebrity hang-outs and remains adamant that fame hasn't changed him.

So, after performing live every Saturday in the Academy, what made James put himself through it all again?

"This year the contest is being supported by a major record company. The winner will get two singles released and an album deal with Sony - that's what swayed it for me.

"I'm really happy with the song Stuck on Your Love. It's my style and the whole show has been revamped."

James, who watched the Eurovision "religiously" as a child, remembers past winners Bucks Fizz who won in 1981 with Making Your Mind Up.

James recently achieved a lifelong ambition by appearing on Top of The Pops.

"To appear on a show I grew up watching was a dream," he said. He has performed around the world and at a charity event in Ireland, organised by Ronan Keating.

He aspires to follow in the footsteps of Travis and the Welsh rock band the Stereophonics, who write their own material.

Fresh from ten days in Jamaica supporting Liberty X the 'velvet voice of the Valleys' says that whatever happens on Saturday night, his hope for 2004 is to release an album.

James' bid to represent the UK in Turkey can be seen on Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC 1, when the number to vote for James will be given, with the results announced at 9pm.