BECKENHAM'S own singing sensation Jon Lee is back on the nation's TV screens doing what he likes best performing classic show tunes.He stars in the Sound Of Musicals, shown on BBC 1 on Saturday evenings, alongside leading West End performers such as John Barrowman and Ruthie Henshall.

"Ruthie was my Nancy when I played Oliver at the Palladium, so it's great catching up with her again," he says.

Jon was 12-years-old when he starred in the ever-popular Lionel Bart musical, and has barely stopped working since.

A role in Eastenders followed, before he went on to become one of Britain's youngest pop stars.

"I auditioned for S Club when I was 15, I was still taking my GCSEs at the time."

Luckily the youngster seemed to have a sensible attitude in dealing with the sudden fame.

"Nothing can prepare you for it, it affects people differently. For me, I just took it as a job; worked, got paid and went home. I didn't get swept up in it," he says.

After the band split up, Jon went back to his musical theatre roots, playing Marius in Les Miserables.

While the 23-year-old says his S Club songs were a bit of fun', it is clear he prefers the show tunes.

"Lyrically, they get a story across and are quite emotional, they are actors' songs," he says. "You can really get your teeth into them."

Jon is filled with enthusiasm talking about his new TV show.

"I loved doing it, they'd done really a good job. An amazing set, a 20-piece orchestra, the girls in glam frocks and the guys all suited and booted.

"When you're singing with a big live orchestra it gives you such a buzz."

The young performer's next goal is of a more physical nature. He is in training for the London Marathon, to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

"I've given up drinking. I've been training every day since New Year's Day," says Jon. "I'm really enjoying it. The first week was a nightmare but I'm getting into the swing of things I've changed my diet and I feel great. I've stopped smoking as well, which is good."

"I'm going hammer and tongs at the moment," he laughs. "But I'll be straight in the pub afterwards, no worries."

The Sound Of Musicals, BBC1 Saturdays 5.50pm.

To sponsor Jon's charity marathon run visit justgiving.com/jonlee