‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalist and cruise ship musician Julian Smith is coming to Uffculme after a villager saw him perform on board on holiday.

Jim Clancy said: “I went to see all the shows and the high standard of performances impressed me enormously – but one act stood out above all the others and that was soprano-saxophonist Julian Smith.”

Ten years ago Julian captivated audiences with his masterful saxophone playing on the ITV television talent show. He earned a multitude of accolades and went on to compete in the most watched final in the show’s history in which 20 million people saw him finish third, narrowly behind Susan Boyle and winners Diversity. Since his appearance on the show he has been in constant demand all over the world and his YouTube hits run into the millions.

“His two shows on board the cruise ship had me mesmerised,” Jim said. “I subsequently met him and bought three of his albums on CD. I then blurted out that I’d love to invite him to Devon one day to perform. I was pleasantly surprised when he gave me his contact details and asked me to get in touch again with my ideas once I’d returned to England.

“At home I began to work on a proposal and, with the help of a few friends in Uffculme, Butterleigh and Exmouth, a package of three potential small shows was offered. It soon became apparent we were going to need a larger venue, so I contacted The Venue, the fabulous 400-seat theatre in Uffculme, and it had no hesitation in replying ‘yes’ as soon as the name Julian Smith was mentioned. A date of June 13 has been set for his show and tickets have just gone on sale. I for one cannot wait.”

For more information and details of how to obtain tickets from The Venue phone 01884 842912 or visit www.venueuffculme.com/events/julian-smith-saxophonist