Callum Doignie: One year on from ITV's The Voice

Callum Doignie has performed dozens of gigs since his stint on The Voice in 2023

Telford builder Callum Doignie had no idea just how much his life was about to change.

A year ago, after starting to do karaoke during the lockdown, he had qualified to appear on the final of ITV's The Voice, mentored by Sir Tom Jones.

His appearance saw him propelled into the public eye, and he has not put down the microphone since.

"It's been quite a surreal year, I never thought I'd take music as a career," he said.

"I've done a couple of sold-out shows this year, I've been on podcasts, I've been at the National Reality TV Awards," Doignie told the BBC.

He has also performed at several Christmas light switch-ons across Shropshire, and performed a festive concert with his live band, The Pookies, at the Anstice in Telford.

Doignie was mentored by Sir Tom Jones on The Voice in 2023

"I've performed over 36 times... different gigs, festivals, carnivals," said Mr Doignie.

He also broke into the world of social media, and performed at TikTok sensation Spudman's wedding.

"I sang while Spudwife, Sarah, walked down the aisle… a little Elvis number, it was quite a nice moment to witness," he said.

"Being a singer and being a performer, I get to get in these special positions, I'm watching people create life memories, and helping create them."

Doignie has performed all over Shropshire since his TV appearance

Doignie is now hoping to release some original songs in 2025.

"It's been great writing and doing so much and doing all these shows," he said.

"In the new year I'm concentrating on more writing, so I can have a better catalogue to choose from."

He also wants to do more with his live band.

"The aim is... do some festivals, get a few shows together, get some tickets together," he said.

"It's really exciting in the sense of what's going to come.

"I'm trying to be like a bad smell, and be everywhere."