Cruise ship cabaret star Nicholas Albert has been determined to get Medway residents on board during the pandemic.

The 35-year-old dad, from Lordswood, has been lifting spirits by singing on his doorstep to neighbours and passers-by.

Nicholas, who is more used to crooning away on luxury liners all over the world, decided to make use of his vocal talent on terra firma during lockdown.

After coming off the ships, Nicholas - who is originally from the Caribbean island of St Lucia - moved to Medway to settle with wife Emily.

He now works as a carer for the Helping Hands charity, a job he loves.

But after 10 years entertaining cruise ship guests on the ocean waves, Nicholas really missed belting out his far-reaching repertoire of tunes.

He said: "I was getting depressed during lockdown. Everywhere there was gloom. And then it was suggested that I sing for other people. Singing is my outlet. It was a win-win situation.

"It made me happy and it was making other people happy.

"Some say why don't I charge, perhaps just a £1? But that's not what it is about."

While most of his repertoire is performed from the driveway of the family home in Clandon Road, Nicholas is also performing on zoom sessions.

Before social distancing restrictions were put in place, he was in popular demand at weddings, special occasions and office parties.

His friend Darren Pilcher, a director of A Class Driving School in Chatham, regularly hires him for company get-togethers.

And this year was no exception when Darren got permission from Medway Council to hold a sing-song for his neighbours in Beechings Way, Rainham, on Christmas Eve.

Dad-of-two Darren, 46, said: "I put flyers through doors and everyone, all ages, loved it. People were singing and dancing and some even got out of their cars to join in - at a social distance.

"It was just what we all needed."

As well as singing on Cunard and P&0 liners, Nicholas also performed at Sandals beach resorts on his home island showcasing his favourite Bob Marley reggae hits.

Nicholas, dad to Arlo, aged one, said: "I love my job helping others. But singing is what I do best."

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