Monday 17th December
West End star Lee Mead has maintained he's still the average guy despite a life-changing 12 months.
Lee, who won Any Dream Will Do, says he is grounded, but doesn't want his own dream to end - and despite being recognised by virtually everyone he meets, he maintains he's still the average guy he was before the BBC series.
"This all happened at the right age for me. I come from a normal background and I've got my close friends and my family around me - that's really important.
"I'm 26 now, so I know what I want from life. I've also learned to say no to things, and because a lot of this is about making the right decisions. I just hope it doesn't end because I'm enjoying myself so much."
If last Christmas Lee was wondering what 2007 might hold for him, this year he's looking forward to a few days off and a chance to catch up with his family back in Essex.
"I love Christmas," beams the star, who recently released his first solo album and reportedly began dating Joseph judge Denise Van Outen. "I've only got two or three days off, which is standard in theatre, but I'm going to make the most of them, and I'm going to help, or attempt to help, cook Christmas dinner with my mum.
"On New Year's Eve I'm going to bring the whole family up to London and we'll go to see the fireworks on the Thames and hopefully have a few drinks and relax. That's the plan at least."
