10 Questions for Paul Potts

In the 10 years since Paul won Britain’s Got Talent, the former shop assistant has performed in 44 countries, sold 5m albums, and has sung for the Queen. His rise to fame, despite bullying and shyness, was made into a film starring James Corden, and Taylor Swift asked to write a song for the movie too. His new album, On Stage, is out now.

WHO MOST INFLUENCED THIS NEW ON STAGE COLLECTION?

It might sound odd, but it was Harry Secombe. I listened to him a lot over the years. People tend to think of him as a comedian, but he had a fine tenor voice.

WHY PUT NESSUN DORMA ON THE ALBUM AGAIN?

It’s 10 years since that aria changed my life, and I’ve sung it thousands of times, but each time I do it slightly differently. I never get bored with it.

WHAT’S YOUR PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE?

My courage isn’t about having no fear, it’s about having lots of fears but facing up to them. I take each day as it comes and realise no one owes me a living or a future.

WHAT’S DIFFICULT ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I get paid for what I love, so very little is difficult. But it’s hard keeping up with friends when I’m abroad so much. They’re the same friends I’ve always had, so I make sure there’s room in my diary for them.

WHAT’S THE MOST ROMANTIC THING YOU’VE DONE?

In my wedding speech I translated some of La Boheme and recited those romantic verses to my wife in front of our guests. She stuck her fingers down her throat. (laughs)

WHAT MISCONCEPTION DO PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT YOU?

That I’m miserable. My normal face isn’t one that smiles all day, so people think I must be sad. But I’m not. If we meet and I’m not smiling don’t worry. I’m happy. Honestly.

DID YOU LIKE TAYLOR SWIFT’S SONG FOR YOUR BIOPIC?

It’s not my kind of music but it fitted the movie well. She was charming, and much taller than I am, even with her shoes off.

DO FANS EXPECT CERTAIN THINGS OF YOU?

When I travel I wear jeans and a T-shirt as I need to be comfortable on long flights. But I get comments like: “Where’s your designer suit?” Some folk expect me in stage clothes all day.

ANY LOWLIGHTS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?

I think about my late grandfather a lot. He used to say: “Why are you working in a shop when you’ve got that voice?” Sadly he didn’t live to see my success.

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS LEFT TO LIVE. HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?

I’m a really keen photographer. I’d go to the Highlands, just the right weather conditions, and take photos of a misty day with the mountains in the background. No traffic, just calm and beauty.