WHO IS HE?

A British singer with the spontaneity of an old-school rhythm 'n' blues belter. At 22, Bryn is poised to join the homegrown, retro-soul ranks of Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson.

WHY THE FUSS?

Christopher went down a storm when he supported Winehouse on tour last year, and he should win more admirers with his new single Smilin' and forthcoming album My World.

WHAT'S THE STORY?

From Great Barr, in Birmingham, Bryn was one of four children born to a Welsh mother and Caribbean father. Bullied at school, he joined a local youth theatre group and won a scholarship to the Italia Conti stage school in London.

But music was always his first love, his passion fuelled by a love of Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye. He says: 'It was incredible hearing singers like that for the first time. It changed my outlook on life.'

Soul man: Bryn Christopher sings frmo the heart

WHAT NEXT?

Bryn failed to make the grade on Pop Stars: The Rivals, but now regards that rejection as a blessing in disguise. He says: 'Those shows have some talented people on them, but it's just not me.' Later discovered while at stage school, he ended up signing to Polydor  -  the same label as Girls Aloud.

AND THEN?

His confidence boosted by last year's gigs with Winehouse, Bryn began recording with Aussie producer Jarrad Rogers, of SugaRush Beat Company, and had soon finished an album.

Among the highlights are The Quest, inspired by his brother's experiences as a soldier in Baghdad, and a cover of Portishead's Sour Times.

WHERE CAN I HEAR MORE?

Smilin' is out on Monday, with My World following on September 1. Bryn's UK tour also begins on September 1, at Thekla, in Bristol. For details, visit seetickets.com.