Erith man hopes to take one more step to glory in UK-based talent show

Wayne Jacobs, 54, of Riverdale Road, has been composing and singing music since he was 18 years old and hopes to win the judges over in the Britain Does Variety competition.

The winner will get a chance to perform in a paid gig at a 5 star luxury resort in Europe and recording time at River Studios – the same facility famous for developing popstar Birdy.

The Civil Servant told News Shopper: “Britain Does Variety is a talent show where contestants compete from all over the UK. Each year the person who wins it gets a certain award.

Wayne Jacobs

“I’ve already performed my songs in front of five judges and they told me they liked my country twang. If I get through the Regional finals in Essex, I move on to the Area finals.

“I get a bit nervous when I’m about to perform but I love it because it drives me on.”

Mr Jacobs wrote a song about Big Ben and was consequently invited to sing it on top of the famous landmark in front of MPs in 2012.

Other original content has been aired on BBC Radio Kent and BBC Radio Norfolk.

The singer-songwriter is pleased with the progress he is making after getting back into music eight years ago.

Mr Jacobs said: “A teacher at school told me to write a couple of songs when I was 18 years old - and said I had great potential to become a songwriter.

“I had a young family so I put the music on hold but my kids are grown up now so eight years ago I started writing again.

“After the Big Ben event, I thought I might try and write some more songs and I’ve produced over 50 since.

A previous award won by Mr Jacobs

“Tennessee Girl is probably my most successful song and people in America loved it after hearing it on various radio stations out there.”

Mr Jacobs will be competing at the Essex Regional finals of Britain Does Variety on April 24.