X Factor finalist Danyl Johnson has already played his dream gig – in Mel’s Bar in ITV’s award-winning comedy Benidorm.

The 28-year-old, who now lives in Woodley, was an Arborfield lad teaching dance and drama at Starmaker Theatre Company in Southcote when he got his break.

He made his name in the sixth series of iconic talent show X Factor, facing the judges alongside Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon and the eventual 2009 winner, Joe McElderry.

Since then, his work has included touring and appearing at Butlins holiday centres in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness with X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent stars including Olly, Stacey and comedy father-and-son duo Stavros Flatley.

Danyl’s own show is booked for Butlins throughout this year and this week he confirmed he has another exciting project in the pipeline – although he is remaining tight-lipped, telling getreading it had to be “a secret” at the moment.

But he was more than happy to talk about his appearance in Benidorm, in the last episode of the current series due to air on Friday, April 1.

Danyl said: “It was recorded back in November over three days, which was very intense – long working hours and enjoying the nightlife with the cast as well.

“I am playing myself. I am a singer at Mel’s bar. In the storyline coming up, Madge buys a bar named after her late husband and I am the little entertainment. At the end, there is a wake for Mel and I sing With A Little Help.”

The Joe Cocker version of The Beatles’ With A Little Help From My Friends was Danyl’s audition piece on X Factor. Simon Cowell, who mentored Danyl, said it was the best first audition he had ever heard.

Danyl’s Benidorm debut followed a chance meeting with the writer of the award-winning sitcom, which was named the most popular comedy programme at the National Television Awards this year and previously in 2008. Danyl explained: “Derren Litten sent me a boxed set of Benidorm and said ‘well done’ when I was doing X Factor.

“Then I was at a charity function for my football team and we bumped into each other.”

Danyl said he thought Derren was pulling his leg when he talked about Danyl taking a cameo role in Benidorm – as Cilla Black has also done – but then the plane ticket was booked and he was off. Becoming a household name through X Factor was one dream come true for Danyl, and this is another.

He said: “I have loved Benidorm for ages. I love Johnny Vegas, who was in the cast, and Tim Healy, who is in it now. It was fantastic.”

readingeditorial@trinitysouth.co.uk

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