Church singer Stuart has Got Talent!

Father-of-three Stuart Falconer – who is a member of Watnall Road Baptist Church – belted out a rendition of the Lionel Richie song, 'Hello', during an audition in Birmingham for the smash-hit ITV show.

His vocals got the thumbs-down from Cowell and fellow judge Amanda Holden because he failed to make it through to the next stage.

But Stuart (49), of Voce Gardens, won over former newspaper editor and judge Piers Morgan, who gave him rich praise.

Stuart's slot was aired on the show last Saturday night (May 9) and he confirmed that his singing received a sarcastic reaction from Cowell.

"After my song, Simon asked me what the opposite to hello was," he said. "I knew what was coming so I didn't say anything and Simon started waving me off stage.

"I was really disappointed but I didn't get buzzed off, which was good. They let me do my full act and discussed it afterwards.

"Amanda said she would go with Simon but Piers liked it. He told the audience it proved that call-centre staff might be unseen but they had talent and he was really impressed."

Stuart, who works for Domestic and General's (D&G) call centre in Nottingham, explained that he applied for the show last year and went for the first audition in November.

"Then I was called again to audition in Birmingham," said Stuart. "This time, it was in front of the judges but, unfortunately, I didn't get through."

Stuart, who is married to Anne (48), is now no stranger to big auditions, having previously signed up for another Cowell TV talent show – 'X Factor'.

On that occasion, he was knocked out in the second round of auditions but says he is determined to keep trying.

"I am in a music group at church, and music is a real passion of mine," he said. "I will carry on and keep trying. I am going to go for 'Britain's Got Talent' again next year. I won't give up.

"No-one at work realised I could sing until D&G offered some of their phone lines to receive donations for Comic Relief.

"I decided to use the experience to raise money for the charity so I did a sponsored sing and raised more than 100."

Tracy Burrell, D&G's human resources manager, said: "We were amazed by Stuart's fantastic voice and were really keeping our fingers crossed that he would be shortlisted.

"Despite not getting through, we still think he is fantastic and look forward to hearing more of his voice.

"Piers Morgan is right. There are a lot of talented, committed people who work in call centres and we are thrilled that they received some recognition on 'Britain's Got Talent'."