HE was kicked off the X-Factor two years ago after judges were unimpressed with his rendition of the classic Nessun Dorma.

But now a Totton granddad is about to hit the big time after becoming the latest member of elderly rockers The Zimmers.

John Langridge, 65, beat off competition from more than 3,500 singers to join the group of 40 OAPs who shot to fame in May 2007 with their cover of The Who's My Generation.

He could join the band for a tour in China in September in front of the country's president.

John, a former physiotherapist, joined the band after his wife Kate sent off an audition tape when the BBC's The One Show advertised for more singers.

He is now set to record a host of songs with the group of veteran singers. He added: "When the producer first telephoned me and said we might be going to China I thought my friend was winding me up. I had to email the producer back and check he said that."

John has already recorded a version of the Eric Clapton classic Tears in Heaven and Queen's anthemic We Will Rock You ahead of a new album.

He said: "My sons think it's really funny but they are pleased for me because they know I love to sing. It's a bit different than playing golf in your spare time."

John, who has never had a singing lesson, only discovered that he could sing eight years ago after a car journey with his wife.

He added: "I was singing along to an opera CD in the car and my wife told me I was hitting all the right notes. It was like a revelation and I've taken it from there.

"Nessun Dorma is my signature tune but I don't think they liked it very much on the X-Factor as they kicked me off."

The Zimmers began as a BBC television documentary as a way of giving a voice to the elderly.