A singing sensation from Witham is to perform on a new BBC entertainment show.

Johnny Routledge, who performs as Johnny Mack, will feature in All Together Now, hosted by comedian Rob Beckett with popstar Geri Horner leading a panel of 100 judges.

The panel consists of music experts who, if they like what they hear, can join in and sing along.

At the end of the series one act will walk away with a £50,000 cash prize.

Mr Routledge, 43, remains tight-lipped about his performance, but has hinted viewers will see a whole new side to him.

He said: “I got to show my fun side so people will see something quite different.

“You have 100 music experts from the West End to entertainment industry, producers and vocal coaches – the guy who played Billy Elliott on stage was there.

“This came about because I tried out for X Factor and got to the judge’s round, but they day before they cancelled it.

“They suggested I go on this – one door closes and another one opens.”

Gazette:

(BBC/Endemol) Photographer: Ray Burmiston and Matt Squire

Mr Routledge, who also performs as a tribute act to George Michael and Michael Buble, has performed all over the world including to royalty and ambassadors in the middle east.

His wife Tara and their two children - Charlie, four, and Caitlin, ten – are thrilled he will once again appear on TV, having featured on ITVs Friday Night Fever in 1999 and supported various X Factor stars since.

Mr Routledge, whose performance will be aired during the third or fourth episode, said: “My children don’t know what the result is or what I’m singing, but they are looking forward to it.

“We filmed it in October last year, there are 13 contestants in each episode, filmed in Manchester.

“The BBC were great and the team were amazing, it was a great experience.”

Gazette:

You can tune in to watch All Together Now every Saturday at 7.30pm on BBC One.