BEN Mills might not have made it to the final of last year's X Factor but he was still definitely one of the show's big stars.

He won himself a firm fanbase of the television talent show thanks to his powerful voice, helped along by a few flicks of his lustrous locks, coming third.

A multi-talented musician, he plays both piano and guitar on his forthcoming album, Picture of You, which is released next month.

The album comes ahead of a UK tour in the autumn, which brings him to Poole's Lighthouse on November 22.

The album, and the tour, feature original songs written by Ben which capture the depth and style which got him through to the final stages of X Factor and won him so many ardent fans.

He has also recorded some of the classic tracks which he performed on the show, including Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss a Thing and Rod Stewart's Maggie May, some of which fans are sure to be treated to at the live shows.

26-year-old Ben developed his unusual and powerful voice, which has been likened to that of Joe Cocker, while fronting various bands in his hometown of Whitstable.

It's going to be a big change to playing at large venues like the Lighthouse but after the trial of fire of appearing live on X Factor it's sure to be a cinch.

Tickets: £23. Box office: 08700 668701.