BEHIND the boyish cheeky smile and golden locks pop star, actor and pin-up boy Adam Rickett has a career most can only dream about. He may have a six-pack and thousands of fans lusting after him but he's not all brawn - he turned down a place at Cambridge University to read law in favour of being a celebrity.

The 21-year-old star has risen to heart-throb status since his dramatic entrance onto television as the romantic and loveable Nick Tilsley in top soap Coronation Street.

However, he recently quit his role on the ITV show to fulfil his childhood ambition of becoming a singer.

Adam already has two hit singles under his belt and his long awaited debut album, Good Times, was released earlier this week.

The star found time from his hectic schedule to meet his fans and sign records at the HMV music store in Southampton.

Scores of screaming followers from as far as Worthing and Bournemouth queued at the High Street shop, some coming into the city from as early as 9am to get a glimpse of their hero.

A team of security guards had to be drafted in to prevent the fans from surging forward when Adam made his grand entrance from the back of the store.

More than 50 devotees, both male and female, from children as young as four to middle-aged mums, waited patiently in the shop as Adam took his place behind a table a few minutes later than the 4.30pm schedule. More had to stand outside until there was space for them to go in.

Other shoppers not wanting an autograph could not resist hovering by the CD-stand to get a peek of his angelic face.

He spent more than an hour chatting to his admirers, signing copies of his album and his latest single, Every Thing My Heart Desires. Fans agreed their idol was just as cute in real life as he was on television and in his raunchy dance videos.

Carla Askew, 14, from Fareham said: "He is really sweet and cuddly. He's gorgeous. I got lots of posters and photos of him."

Sisters Amy and Sophie Collins from, Copsewood Road, Hythe, said: "His lovely body is the best bit. He was really sweet in Coronation Street." Laura Padfield, 15, who travelled to Southampton from Portsmouth especially to see Adam, said: "He is really fit. I'm a huge fan I prefer his music to when he is on television."

Elaine Campbell, 14, from Bournemouth, said: "His body is amazing and I love his hair - he's just gorgeous and I love his six pack."

The Cheshire-born idol received his lucky break after he wrote to Nigel Martin-Smith who masterminded hit boy band Take That.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Adam said: "I really wanted to be a pop star - I'm so grateful. I never thought I would get a chance but I did."

Despite kick-starting his career on television Adam prefers performing on stage and, like many singers, he used to practise in front of the mirror with a hairbrush.

"I love performing and seeing people out there having a good time because of your music."

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