The pizza delivery driver suffered the sad loss of his wife Tracey after she developed a brain tumour ten years ago. He was then left to raise their three-year-old son Callum as a single father.

Pugh did not mention the tragedy to the judges at his audition because he did not want to win “the sympathy vote”, reports suggest.

A source told The People: “It’s still tough for Jamie. He didn’t want to break down talking about Tracey on air.”

Pugh later found love again with 35-year-old Donna Davies, with whom he fathered a second child, Ethan, now three.

The 37-year-old singer won unanimous praise from the judges at his audition and has since been tipped as a possible rival for internet sensation Susan Boyle.