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Craig Jones

Emmerdale's Jay Kontzle on his Simon Cowell links and popstar past

Emmerdale’s Jay Kontzle has reflected on his time working with Simon Cowell in a boyband on Britain’s Got Talent.

Jay Kontzle, 32, has played Billy Fletcher in Emmerdale for many years. Some fans probably don’t remember that he appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 as part of group The Mend.

The boyband made it all the way to the final with the 2012 series being won by Ashleigh and Pudsey the dog. Jay has spoken to Inside Soap about the experience.

Read more: The 15 best Emmerdale characters of all-time revealed

“It is true, I was part of a band, and it was an experience,” he said. “I don't really talk about it now because I've kind of moved on.

“But the best thing about being in a band was the insight I got into the industry. We worked with people at the top of their game, like Simon Cowell.

You can vote for your favourite Emmerdale character of all-time below. Alternatively, you can vote here

“But in the end, the business side of music put me off.” Music’s loss has certainly been Emmerdale’s gain with Jay earning an army of fans.

You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars.

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