"Next James Blunt" is 'X Factor' hopeful

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of his former troop leader James Blunt, soldier Paul Brunt is apparently through to the second audition stage of this year's X Factor.

The Household Cavalry soldier said he has been keeping quiet about his musical talent, but felt now was the time to give it a shot.

He explained: "Where I work the guys take the mickey out of me if I start singing love songs - so I've kept it a secret."

Brunt was not too sure of his chances of matching Blunt as a global superstar, however. Asked whether he was headed for success he commented: "We don't know do we, we'll have to see what happens!"