Jake Shakeshaft

Jake left his job at a garden centre and dropped out of college to follow his dream of singing. It took Jake a whole year to muster up the confidence to perform in front of his parents. Now his dad is his biggest fan… and… his roadie, manager, chauffeur and PR all in one – (hey, can we share your dad with you Jake?) Jake credits Ed Sheeran with the reason he learned to play the guitar and says he has made him the artist he is today. We can’t wait to hear you ‘Sing! Jake Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (NB: These are Ed Sheeran lyrics for all those who may be confused).

What did you want to be when you were little? “I wanted to be a singing, football-playing, paramedic.”

Phobias? “I am terrified of spiders, heights and rollercoasters.”

Describe your personality in three words: “Happy, cheeky, funny.”

Most embarrassing moment: “I locked myself in a restaurant toilet! After pushing and pulling at the door for a while, it dawned on me, that it was a sliding door.”

Superstitions? “Don't speak too soon. If you think something is going to happen don't say it will or else it won't.”

When and where was your first public performance? “My first live performance was in 2012 in a pub in Bidulph Moor which is quite far away from my house. We picked somewhere far away because we didn't want anyone we knew to show up… but my entire football team turned up!”