LEMAR has come a long way over the last few years. He first got people talking when he was one of the many reality show hopefuls on the first series of the BBC's musical talent competition Fame Academy.

An inspirational performance with soul legend Lionel Richie on the show led audiences to believe that the talented Lemar would win, but he lost out to Scottish performer, David Sneddon.

Sneddon had his short-lived shot at musical success whilst living a luxury lifestyle in London, but Lemar needn't have worried. His performances on the show caught the attention of British soul diva Beverley Knight who invited him to perform with her once he left the show.

He was then snapped up by music giants Sony with a coveted five-album deal.

In fact, Lemar had already secured a record deal before Fame Academy, but fate dealt him a cruel blow when his deal was scrapped due to changes at the label.

Fate has been kind to Lemar since, although his musical success is down to sheer talent and instinctive musical ability rather than luck.

His gig at Southampton's Guildhall on Saturday is a sell-out.