REALITY TV gets an undeserved bad press according to Collabro's Michael Auger.

Winning Britain's Got Talent in 2014 changes the lives of the fab foursome overnight and they can't stop singing its praises.

"We're so grateful for it," says the 27-year-old singer, who grew up in Hampshire.

"Being on TV in front of 12 million people is exactly what you need to build up an audience. I always urge people to go on. Some people think there's a stigma attached to reality TV and that's is all rigged, but I can honestly say that we had no idea at any stage what was going to happen. You can see in our faces how shocked we were to win!

"I wish I knew then what I know now really as I would enjoy every second of it and stop being so nervous.

"I'd definitely like to do Strictly one day as I could learn a skill but have a lot of fun with it as well. Or maybe the jungle, if I could get over my fear of spiders. I'm always looking for opportunities.

Just six months after meeting for the first time, Collabro won Britain's Got Talent. Their first audition at the Hammersmith Apollo saw a standing ovation from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams. From that day on, they never performed without receiving a standing ovation. Simon even stood up again when Collabro performed at his birthday party!

Since triumphing on the TV talent show, the group have wowed the nation with their mix of musical classics and pop ballads.

Michael along with bandmates Jamie Lambert, Matthew Pagan and Thomas J Redgrave have an enthusiastic fan base who are known as the Collaborators.

Now they're set to support music legend Cliff Richard on his Just Fabulous Rock n Roll tour of beautiful castles and stunning stately homes, including one close to the Petersfield home where he grew up.

They take to the stage at Stansted Park in the South Downs at Rowlands Castle on June 18.

"It's so surreal," he laughs. My aunt is Cliff's biggest fan. She has pictures of him all over her wall and even had a caricature of her and him made up. Now she gets to meet him!

I really enjoyed Summer Holiday on stage and I've seen the film many times. I've heard his latest album and he's still got it! We've met him a couple of times now and he's so kind. It's such an honour.

"With the new album coming out we'll be giving audiences the chance to hear songs from that, but we're also asking fans what classics they'd like to hear. We'll also be singing a tribute to Cliff, so watch out for that.

"Stansted Park is just beautiful. It's so nice to be looking at at the sunset and our fans on a nice day."

Michael is no stranger to the Grade II Listed Edwardian country house set on a 1,800-acre estate, he's been a member of the audience there on a number of occasions, including a memorable Girls Aloud gig.

"All those people I used to go and see in concert there and now I'll be the one on stage. Cheryl's a big fan of ours, which is mad!"

The former Churcher’s College student pupil first discovered his talent for performing as a member of Petersfield Youth Theatre.

"I loved it, but I never went for the main role and I never thought I'd have a career in it. I went to uni and did accountancy and one of my friends asked if I wanted to sing with the musical society. I wasn't sure as I was already a member of the swim squad and trained every day, but I went along to auditions and got the lead role! I was Ren in Footloose and was channelling my inner Kevin Bacon! I found a love for it there really.

"I worked for PwC for a while before I decided that I had a chance and I should take it. I thought I'd give it a year of auditioning in London and saw an advert for a boy band. That was my first job and within six month of meeting the boys we were on Britain's Got Talent. I have friends who have been trying for three years working in a coffee shop in the day and trying to get into the industry so I do feel so lucky."

An acrimonious split with fifth member Richard Hadfield has not slowed things down for the hard-working band.

They will be on their own tour this autumn and are looking at going international in 2018.

They are hoping the West End will soon beckon.

"We've been so busy, there hasn't really been the time to do anything individually.We all fancy the West End though. Now there are four of us we thought we could be the four Jersey Boys! I'm sure we could make it work.

"Jamie has been doing some bits and pieces with The Wright Stuff as he's clued up on political issues and things I have no idea about. Ignorance is bliss on that sort of thing as far as I'm concerned! We're all very supportive of each other."

Collabro support Cliff Richard at Stansted Park on June 18. Tickets are available from ticketmaster.co.uk