legend Paul Potts has opened up about the latest series of the show after he appeared on the programme nearly 20 years ago. The 53-year-old opera singer from Bristol shot to fame back in 2007 when he wowed judges with his performance of Nessun dorma, famously sung by Italian tenor Pavarotti. He has since reflected on his time on the popular show as he gave an insight into his life 18 years on.

Paul left , and speechless when he performed Nessun Dorma at his first Britain's Got Talent audition in 2007. He had been working in Carphone Warehouse when he first performed at the auditions, but has gone on to become a globe-trotting celeb in the aftermath of winning the first ever series of the show. Almost a decade after leaving the show, he's released five albums in the past 10 years, his most recent one in 2022, titled Musica Non Probita.

Speaking exclusively to on behalf of he gave a rare insight into his life as the tenor continues to perform.

Paul said: "I have very fond memories, and it makes me feel really old. It's 18 years this year - in 2027 it will be 20 years since I did BGT - which makes me feel incredibly old, but also it makes me feel special because that's quite a long career for anybody. I remember when things started, there were critics who said that my voice wouldn't last a year. Yet here I am, 18 years later.

"I did 85 shows last year and I've got 80 in the diary for this year. I've done more than 1500 shows since BGT [Britain's Got Talent]. I've also got good stamina, but you can never take anything for granted. In many ways, it's unusual for me to feel proud of myself. I survived in many ways, and I've thrived."

The BGT winner frequently tours and performs in Germany and has also appeared on popular German TV shows as well as performed live concerts throughout the country.

Speaking about his time overseas, Paul remarked: "In Germany, I don't speak any English on stage. I'm 100 per cent German on stage.

"I get lots of it wrong, but the audience love it. I said to them on stage last night that this isn't just a career for me - it's my life and without the people that have enabled me to do it, I wouldn't be living this life. I'm incredibly grateful to the people that helped me start off in the very first place, back in 2007."

"I wouldn't be doing what I am, [without them]," he continued. "That's what I think the definition of success is - it's not about what you have but it's being able to do what you love to do. Your career is for you to be who you are. You're not having to hide behind something else. Very few people get the opportunity, so I know how fortunate I am, and I'll never forget that."

Paul resides in Port Talbot in Wales with his Swansea-born wife Julie-Ann.

In 2013, Paul's life story was made into a biopic titled One Chance, named after Paul's first album, saw James Corden play the opera singer in the rom-com, which also saw appearances from Julie Walters and Colm Meaney as Paul's parents.