A PUB kitchen manager is hoping his chance of a life in the spotlight is about to arrive.

Joshua Smith, a 21-year-old singer, of Swaylands Road, Belvedere, has been trying to break into the music business for the past three years, singing at local gigs and at private parties and celebrations.

He has posted some of his performances on YouTube and auditioned for the X Factor, but failed to make it into the live show .

But Joshua has now made it into the regional finals of this year’s Open Mic UK a national talent competition whose final will be held at the O2.

Also up for grabs is a place on the competition’s live UK tour and a recording contract.