By Saj Chowdhury

Lemar would love to play a frame with Jimmy White

Soul singer Lemar has made a huge impact on the British music scene since coming to the public's attention in BBC's Fame Academy.

In just four years, the 29-year-old has won two Brits, three Mobos and sold over 1.5m albums.

But though music and singing were his premier passions while growing up in north London, he also developed a love for something altogether more sedate.

"I was about 15 or 16 and happened to watch snooker on television," he told BBC Sport.

"My brother explained the rules to me and soon after I decided to give the game a go at my local pool hall.

"I used to pop down in between going to college and it didn't take me long to realise how difficult snooker really was.

"The players make it look so easy on the television, but it's far from that in reality. It takes a lot of practice and natural ability to get anywhere near good.

"I have to admit that my highest break is only about 14, but at least I'm a decent pool player."

Me do Snooker Loopy with Chas 'n' Dave? I don't think that would help my career Lemar

The singer says he admires a number of players both past and present, but there is only one he wants to play a frame of snooker with.

"It has to be Jimmy White - he was the man," Lemar says.

"He hasn't had a good run in a while and he's broken my heart a few times after just missing out on the World Championship.

"I'm really gutted that he hasn't made it this year, but maybe one day I can meet him."

Lemar also revealed he has another snooker dream he wants to fulfill.

"I was doing a concert in Sheffield not so long ago and stayed at a hotel that overlooked the Crucible," he said.

"I thought to myself that I really have to make an effort to go to watch the Worlds there. Unfortunately, I can't make it this year because I've got a busy schedule."

When I suggested that he could make up for missing out on this year's championship by re-recording snooker's biggest hit single, Lemar was a little hesitant.

"Me do Snooker Loopy with Chas 'n' Dave? I don't think that would help my career," he said.

"However, I would do a 'Celebrity Frame Academy'. I wouldn't mind improving my skills around a snooker table."