It is not often you get told you have sex appeal by Amanda Holden.

But then it is not often that you play your guitar in front of millions of people but Martin Matcham found himself at the heart of that surreal experience.

The parts manager from Kent Auto Panels, Folkestone, reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent last Friday, and got to perform Robert Palmer’s Addicted To Love, complete with a "band" of mini-dressed women and an amazing light-up, Union Flag guitar.

Alas, he did not make it any further but he reckons the future is bright.

Martin, 36, told the Kentish Express: "I went up on Thursday night and we ran through the song three times on Friday morning and had a dress rehearsal on Friday afternoon. It went really well.

"I built the guitar myself from a Epiphone Special Series Two Les Paul copy which I customised. I put lots of holes in it and put loads of LEDs in.

"I went out with my wife on Sunday to walk the dog at Kearsney Abbey and we were surrounded by 25 people. Everyone at Kent Auto Panels has been great too.

"I would love to make a go of it, I play in a three-piece band at weekends so it would be great to make it a full-time thing."

The talent show’s judges Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden both showered Martin with compliments, although Simon Cowell was less pleased with his performance.

Martin said: "I like Piers and Amanda and the comments I got from them. Mr Cowell is entitled to his opinion..."

On Friday’s show Piers Morgan, former editor of the Mirror, said: "This is Robert Palmer reincarnated. There are millions of musicians out there like you who just dream of these moments.

"I love the backing band, the new guitar and the suit. It was a great performance."

Actress and former spouse of Les Dennis Ms Holden said: "I think you have actually improved and there’s a little bit of sex appeal."

Music entrepreneur Mr Cowell said: "I didn’t like your voice, I didn’t like the guitar solo, it was out of tune and ridiculous and I don’t think you are going to have to wonder what you are going to play in the final."

Anyone who wants to see more of Martin, who lives at Elvington, near Dover, can catch M3 playing across the area.

The final of BGT was won by dance group Diversity, while singer Susan Boyle came second.