Mum signs EMI album deal

Denise Leigh (left) and Jane Gilchrist won a television talent show

A blind opera singer from north Staffordshire, who shot to fame after winning a television talent contest, has signed a record deal with music giants EMI.

Denise Leigh, from Audley near Newcastle-under-Lyme, was joint winner of Channel 4's 'Operatunity' in February this year.

As a result, the mum-of-three and co-winner Jane Gilchrist were invited to perform in English National Opera's production of Verdi's Rigoletto at the London Coliseum.

Now 31-year-old Mrs Leigh has signed a deal with EMI and is recording a CD at the Abbey Road studios made famous by the Beatles.

Dream fulfilled

Mrs Leigh said recording the album passed all her expectations: "I would have wanted this but I wouldn't have dared dream it could have happened.

"I can't believe it still."

She added: "We're sitting there and listening to what we've done and already we sound ten times better on tape than we sound to ourselves.

"Obviously everything sounds different in your own head than it does to other people."

After recording the album, Mrs Leigh has more concerts lined up.

The album is due to be released in October and Ms Leigh said it will be the fulfilment of a dream.