AN UPCOMING singer has swapped the builders yard for the lure of the bright lights as he bids to win the new series of Fame Academy.The BBC show which made stars of David Sneddon, who topped the charts with Stop Living The Lie, and Sinead Quinn is back for its second outing, starting this Saturday.

AN UPCOMING singer has swapped the builders yard for the lure of the bright lights as he bids to win the new series of Fame Academy.

The BBC show which made stars of David Sneddon, who topped the charts with Stop Living The Lie, and Sinead Quinn is back for its second outing, starting this Saturday.

Colchester-based guitarist and singer Peter Brame is hoping the show will give him a chance to shine and reap the rewards like those who succeeded last time.

In the show, viewers get to see the students go through intense performance training whilst living together in a large country mansion.

The 23-year-old, who cites the Beatles, the Verve and Oasis as his favourite bands of all time has already made a name for himself in the local area, performing at Colchester Arts Centre and the town's Soundhouse.

After graduating from Essex University with a degree in history he went on to stack supermarket shelves and work as a labourer before training to manage a builders merchants team.

He said he couldn't wait for the show to start.

“I'm over the moon. It's fantastic. I really enjoyed the auditions so can't wait to perform live on the show,” he said.

Peter said he was quite studious and kept himself to himself until the age of 17 when he discovered the delights of girls and rock and roll.

The man who producers have labelled as a “quirky” singer-songwriter was in bands Ishand Hannah's Fallen before moving on to perform as a solo artist.

He was inspired to become a singer by bestsellers Radiohead and said Suffolk-born singer Tom McRae was his favourite male artist.

However, it has not always been a life of song for Peter who was keen on sport when he was at school and was in the football team. He also considered becoming a professional golfer.

Stafford Glover, press and marketing officer of Colchester Arts Centre, said he had booked Peter for a gig after hearing a demo tape of his songs.

He said: “He played the opening slot here when we had 12 bands in one day, starting at 2pm. It went down very well.

“He sent me a demo which was very good - the style is introspective, melancholic - it reminded me of Radiohead.

“There was a small turnout at that point - lots of his friends - but the people I spoke to thought he was great.”

He added the Arts Centre would welcome him back when they could and wished him well in the academy.

In the show, 25 hopefuls will battle it out to win one of 13 academy places.

Vocal coach on the show Carrie Grant said: “All 25 hopefuls have already been through so much to come this far but nothing will have prepared them for their live performance to the nation.

“It's a true test of their musical ability, not to mention their nerve.”

The ultimate winner will receive a recording contract with record label Polydor and land a “showbiz” lifestyle for at least a year which includes a luxury flat and car.

Peter will be on the second show to be screened on Wednesday on BBC1 at 8pm.