A singer who rose to fame on a BBC talent show headed up by pop star Gary Barlow, is set to release music as a solo artist.

AJ Bentley, 23, from Hythe, was a winner on TV programme Let It Shine in 2017, securing him a role in a new musical based on the songs of Take That, entitled The Band.

The former Brockhill Park pupil won the competition as a member of the group Five to Five, who have since been touring the country with the show.

AJ revealed to his 12,000 Twitter followers that his own new music is on its way.

He said: “My EP ‘Beyond The Clouds’ is available for pre-order on both iTunes & Amazon... now! Thank you all for the love... I hope you have as much fun listening as I had making!”

The record will include six songs.

Speaking to the KM Group earlier this year, Mr Bentley said: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind but what I have always dreamed of having.”

The show toured earlier this year at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. He added: “I have been to shows at the Marlowe as a kid so to be able to come back and perform myself is great.

“I get to share what I have been doing with family and friends. Everyone in the Hythe area has been so supportive. It is just nice to come back and share what I have been doing and what they voted for.

“Take That are all just a fount of knowledge. For years they have been wanting to get a musical on their music so for them this is their perfect outcome. They are very happy with the band too – luckily for me! It has worked out perfectly for them.”

As a result of demand, a second Kent date was added to the tour schedule, which includes six weeks in London’s West End.

It will be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from Tuesday, February 5, to Friday, February 9, 2019. To book visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.