CityLife

Shayne's American dream

L EONA Lewis is America's new sweetheart after her debut single and album both hit the top of the charts - and now her fellow X Factor alumni Shayne Ward is hoping to crack the States, too.

Shayne, who won the TV talent show the year before Leona, tells me he's heading to the US later this year to write, record and hopefully woo the population with his charms.

He says: "It's on the schedule for me to go out to America, and I'm excited about it. You never know, I might be able to get on Oprah like Leona! That would be wicked.

"I've got my UK tour until the end of May, then I'm heading to Australia, South Africa and then to America for six weeks to write and record.

"We don't know yet if that's for a new album or if they might be for new singles."

Shayne says he and Leona will always be mates because of their shared experiences.

In recent weeks, Leona has also succumbed to throat problems - just as Shayne did a year after he won The X Factor too, having to have an operation for throat nodules.

He's advised Leona to make sure she puts herself first despite the demands of the music business.

He says: "It's important just to be honest with the record label if you're really struggling with your throat. I know because we always aim to please, but the most important thing for us is our voices.

"So, my advice to Leona would be to take the rest when she needs it definitely.

Rigorous

"It's nice to see how she's getting on and how she's coping with it. We've both come from the same show, so I feel like I'm there to watch her back."

Shayne is certainly doing everything he can now to protect his voice - and is undergoing a rigorous health and fitness plan ahead of his upcoming UK tour.

He says: "I'm just taking precautions this time and really looking after my voice. I'm on a health kick, I'm going to the gym and drinking lots of water.

"And before every gig I always have a bit of a quiet time: at least an hour to myself."

He takes in the M.E.N. Arena on May 25, and he's looking forward to the homecoming.

"Just to come home and do any gig in Manchester is wicked for me.

"But to do the M.E.N. again, it's going to be such a special night."

And fans can look forward to a raunchier Shayne this time around.

He laughs: "I'm going to take it up to the next level because the second album was completely different. It's a lot sexier and I hope the fans will like it."

Shayne is at the M.E.N. Arena on Sunday, May 25. For tickets call 0844 847 8000 or click here.