He has already kicked off with the first album 'Tenor at the Movies' - released on February 18th and it has immediately topped the UK Classical charts.

Classicalx caught up Jon to discuss acting, rare time off and how his fantastic fans are helping him adjust to singing solo.

From reality TV to huge success in a group your career has already been diverse, has the beginning of your solo career felt like a natural progression?
 
Yes the progression as a solo artist feels very natural. It is lovely to go back closer to my roots as a classical singer. With this debut solo album, 'tenor at the movies' being classical chart eligible.

With album number one just hitting the shelves it's a little while off in the planning, but do you have a dream second album you'd like to record?

I am focusing on one album at a time at the moment. But there is talk of another out in time for Christmas and I would love to get some original songs on there.

The album is a great mix of movie tunes everyone will recognise, did you manage to have a few personal favourites added to the tracklisting?
 
I love all the tracks that have been chosen. But I have to say that the film I love most from the track listing is Gladiator, and I adore the lovely song from that, 'now we are free'

Going with the albums theme, do you have a favourite film or film moment?
 
My favourite movie is 'Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' original of course! I always wanted to be Charlie. With a never ending supply of chocolate!!!
 
We know you have a musical theatre role as the young Pavarotti coming up but do you have any secret big screen acting ambitions?
 
I would love to be on the big screen in the future. I was offered the title role in an opera adaptation of 'the magic flute' directed my Kenneth Branner and translated by Stephen Fry, but being too busy with G4 at the time I had to sadly turn it down.
 
You have incredibly dedicated fans, has their support helped in your transition to being a solo artist?
 
The dedication of my fans is just incredible. I really do think the fact that there are so many familiar faces at shows and interviews makes the transition from group to solo artist much easier for me.
 
Not many performers happily sing live on radio and TV shows during interviews but you seem very relaxed about it. Have you enjoyed the reactions in the studios? You have been causing quite a stir!
 
I love being able to show audiences that I can sing in all sorts of places, even sat on a sofa during an interview. It is so common now for artists to mime on TV etc. I use any opportunity too prove I don't, and don't have to!
 
You have achieved so much at such a young age in a whirlwind of a career. Is there ever a time when things are moving too fast to fully appreciate what you are accomplishing at the time?

It is hard when you’re really busy to realise what you have and see what you’re achieving. But I do love to take time to reflect on what's happened in my career to date.

With your career as busy as ever you must have less and less time to yourself, so are you good at 'switching off' and relaxing when you can ?

Time off is few and far between, but I do switch off as much as I can by enjoying the odd round of golf. Or a nice meal out with a few glasses of wine.
 
If you hadn't become a singer, what do you think you would you be doing now?

If I wasn't able to be a singer I am really unsure of what I would do. As it’s all I have known for so many years now, even before X factor. But if I had to do something else then I would love to be a chef, as I love cooking and having dinner parties.  
 

Quick fire questions
 
Describe yourself in one word?
Cannot
Home cooking or restaurant?
Home cooking
Champagne or beer?
Champagne
Spontaneous person or planner?
Spontaneous
Singing on stage or in the studio?
Performing on stage 

"Tenor At The Movies" is available NOW.