A former first-team rugby captain at Monmouth School for Boys wowed millions of viewers on national television on Saturday evening (6th February).

Old Monmothian, Owen Hughes, is passionate about music and performed on The Voice UK screened on ITV.

Owen, who hails from Monmouth, sang impressively with Don’t Start Now in his blind audition with the aim of getting the coaches, including Sir Tom Jones, to turn to face him.

Despite giving his all, Owen, 22, who is studying Dentistry at King’s College, London, wasn’t successful in making it to the next stage.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been in contact with me over the weekend,” said Owen, who left Monmouth School for Boys after taking his A levels in 2016, following a fantastic few years playing and captaining the first XV rugby team.

“It has been so overwhelming and so positive and more than I could ever wish for.”

It’s the 10th series of The Voice UK and features coaches Sir Tom, Will.i.am and Olly Murs alongside newcomer Anne-Marie.

All four of the coaches must pick 10 talented singers for their teams in the blind audition stages as they search for the latest star performers.

Owen, a former Overmonnow Primary School pupil, added: “It was fantastic and special to be part of such an amazing television show.

“I know the result didn’t go my way, but this isn’t the end of my music.

“I will keep pushing on and it’s something I love doing; and it only reminded me how much I love music.”

Owen is due to finish his dentistry course this summer and would like to come back to Wales to complete his foundation training next year.