An NHS worker who was once dubbed Hamilton's answer to Pavarotti has shed an astonishing 8st in the hope of bagging himself a Britain's Got Talent audition.
William Boyle, from Little Earnock, has gone from tenor to fiver, dropping three clothes sizes over the last six months, in his bid to follow his dream of performing on stage in front of music mogul Simon Cowell and the millions of BGT viewers across the UK.
The 30-year-old is well known in his hometown with pals referring to him as Wubo - a play on fellow Scots' singing sensation Subo (Susan Boyle) but now he's aiming to hit the heights elsewhere with his phenomenal voice and striking new look.
Regularly belting out classical hits such as Nessun Dorma to Hamilton pub-goers and to residents at care homes across Lanarkshire - in particular at Whitehills Care Home in East Kilbride where he previously worked - William became an overnight sensation after being recorded singing the Pavarotti classic to commuters on a packed out last train home in 2015.
His performance was a huge hit with the video going viral overnight with 200,000 views and thousands of shares.
But now, William is concentrating on his weight loss journey before then making it his mission to follow his musical dreams.
He told Lanarkshire Live: "I am now four stone away from my target weight and, while I don't think I'll get the audition for BGT this year, it is my dream to make next year's show. Even if I don't, I still won't give up on my dream of being a singer.
"As for the weight loss, it wasn't about being thinner, it's about being a better version of myself and if possible simply to inspire other people to do the same - follow their dreams!
"While I love my job and looking after others, my biggest passion in life is to sing and uplift people. To see the look of joy on people's faces when I sing is amazing and that makes me feel great."
William's impromptu performances have, over the years, already led to him appearing on television on STV’s Riverside Show, being interviewed by various radio stations and appearing on the BBC Choir: Britian in Lockdown series.
He added: "Life is about sharing, inspiring and uplifing and so far I hope I am doing that for people. I'm certainly happy with the way things are going both musically and with my weight and others can too with whatever their dreams are."
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