Failed Pop Idol finalist Aaron Bayley could still hit the big time after legend Rod Stewart revealed he wants to record one of his songs.

The 27-year-old from Newcastle was one of the final 10 in television's Pop Idol series which catapulted Gareth Gates and Will Young to fame.

The former train driver has faded back into obscurity since the hit show.

But he is set to strike a lucrative deal with the rock legend who wants to sing a track from Mr Bayley's new album.

Aaron Bayley: "Rod is one of my idols"

Mr Bayley has just returned from writing and recording tracks in Sweden.

The song that impressed Rod Stewart, Love Is Here Forever, is one of 10 he recorded in Scandinavia.

Mr Bayley said: "I'm still beaming from ear to ear about Rod's interest.

"He is a big hero of mine.

"I've been to see him in concert so many times and now to think he could be singing one of my songs is incredible."