For many, he was the next Will Young. For others, perhaps, he was another pop star in the making. Yet unfortunately, for the judges of the new BBC show, ‘Fame Academy’, he didn’t quite have that ‘pizzazz’ to be a world famous superstar.

For his old teachers at Oundle School, Ashley’s brush with Fame came as no surprise at all. “Although he spent a lot of time chasing the girls, Ashley’s talent as a musician was never in doubt, a talented trumpeter, guitarist and drummer,” said Oundle music teacher Richard Kauffman. “It comes as no surprise that he has been chosen above so many others.”

Sadly though, Ashley left the Academy after only a week, with a few regrets at not getting the big prize, but being very happy about his experience.

“I think that I should have gone into the house far too laid back, being one of the older students. I wasn’t as ‘gung-ho’ as I possibly could have been.”

“Since a boy, I have always wanted to play tennis at Wimbledon, play football for Liverpool, and sing in front of thousands of people.”

Well fortunately for Ashley he has achieved one third of his ambitions. Only Centre Court and Anfield wait. He may not have been the greatest singer in the Academy, but what he lacked in the confidence department, he certainly made up in inspiring others; maybe a bit of Ashley the teacher leaking through. This proved itself when he turned out to be a tower of strength for fellow contestant, Nigel who had a confidence crisis over his age.

But often the pressure of being a star really took its toll on the church going teacher, “I’m a teacher…no one likes teachers. No one likes people with privileged upbringings. No one likes Christians. I’m stuffed. I’m old,”

So what is set for Ashley’s future, post Fame Academy? “Well I hope to get into television hosting, but have to consider any contracts first, at the moment, who knows?”

Despite whatever path Ashley chooses, a return to teaching or the small screen, we at the Chronicle hope that he does well and has every success.