He is more used to filling cavities but now hopes to fill the Royal Albert Hall.

An NHS dentist signed a £1million deal today with Sony BMG after stunning executives with his operatic interpretations of pop songs.

Andrew Bain spent a decade perfecting patients' smiles when he decided to make a last-ditch attempt for a career in music.

The 34-year-old tenor recorded a cover of Prince's Purple Rain in his bedroom and sent it to major music companies in March 2008.

On song: NHS dentist Andrew Bain has signed a £1million record deal

Just months later, Simon Cowell's record company Sony BMG offered him a contract and he was signed so quickly he is still obliged to carry out dentist appointments over the next three months.

Lancaster-born Mr Bain, who lives in Stockwell, South London, said: 'It wasn't until April this year that things really started to look hopeful.

'I thought if something doesn't happen fairly soon, I would still sing but it would be my hobby and never my profession.

'I did some more traditional classical opera and then experimented with some pop songs. Who needs another version of Nessun Dorma?

Dream: Andrew hopes to one day fill London's Royal Albert Hall

'At first, I thought that pop was not for me as I don't have a rocky or pop voice.'

Now he has been offered a four-album deal and started recording pop covers of bands Snow Patrol, Abba and The Smiths for release in September.

The NHS locum, who works from a practice on the Holloway Road, North London, said: 'The initial offer was about a month ago. 

'I was pretty chuffed as you can imagine. I honestly didn't think it would happen.
'To fill the Albert Hall would be a dream. I went to a couple of proms last year and to perform there would be astonishing.'

The dentist, whose girlfriend Emma is a paediatric surgeon, added: 'I'm looking forward to the female fans. We'll see. Until it happens you don't know how you will react. But I am sure it will be fun.'

Mr Bain grew up in Essex with his father David, 61, a social worker, mother Trudy, 78, a nurse, and sister Deirdre, 41.

He almost quit his dentistry degree at Bristol University where he performed with the Student Union at the same time as David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

He said: 'When I was younger I think my parents thought I would give up the dentistry before I finished it and seek my fame and fortune.

'But I didn't. I always sang but I didn't know in those days whether I was good enough.

'I did a lot of singing at university. I don't know how I managed to pass really.
'I'm looking forward to a more glitzy showbiz lifestyle. Who wouldn't?'

Mr Bain has only been taught operatic technique in the last two years and has spent more than £5,000 on singing, teaching and coaching.

Due to his day job he can only practise for an hour or two a day and have lessons once a fortnight.

He said: 'I try and sing every day. Fortunately I have thick walls and understanding neighbours.

'I fitted it in around work as best I could having days off and spending all the money I earned on singing.'

Educated at Uppingham public school - whose alumni include countertenor Robin Blaze, composer Ernest John Moeran, tenor Toby Spence and Harry Judd from band McFly - Mr Bain first found his voice in the church choir aged seven after performing solo Once In Royal David's City.

Despite the instant fame surrounding reality TV show singers - Paul Potts was awarded a £1m contract by Sony after Britain's Got Talent - Mr Bain rejected that route.

He said: 'Going on a TV show did cross my mind but I decided to do it the old fashioned way first and see what happens.

'I'm very grateful for my dentistry career. I don't think I'll leave it entirely behind although in what form that takes is hard to say.

'My friends will still be wanting free check-ups.'

Richard Hinkley, Senior Executive at Sony BMG who signed the deal said: 'It is rare to find an artist like Andrew who is so naturally gifted. 

'Normally to do what Andrew does takes years of training, experience and formal education, but he's done it on his own. That is remarkable.'