LAST week marked a year since Stockton Heath wannabe Jesus David Hunter hit the nation’s TV screens battling it out for a lead role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

Twelve months on the future is looking bright for the 28-year-old as he has picked up the role of standby ‘Guy’ in Once, something he describes as his dream role.

The popular performer, who won an army of fans on Twitter last summer, said: “The one year mark is a bit like reaching your 30th where you’re worried where you will be but it’s been a brilliant year and I’ve been fortunate to work on some great stuff with really nice people.

“I’m glad there’s not a Superstar show every year as it would be a bit depressing now seeing new people doing it!

“I have really happy memories of being on the show and it was an exciting time.

“I wasn’t looking for X Factor fame and the show did what I wanted it to which was put myself in front of casting directors.”

After being knocked out at the semi-final stage of the ITV programme, David has appeared in Tommy the musical, Seussical, played the leading man in The Hired Man and is now in rehearsals for Glen Hansard musical Once about a Dublin busker.

The former Bridgewater High School pupil’s latest success is a far cry from busking in the town with his friend Danny Curwen, known as Mr Stockton Heath, in the late 90s with the highlight of making £90 in one day.

He added: “When I was in the Superstar house I remember hearing they were making Once into a musical on Broadway and thinking that’s the role I wanted to play and now here we are.

“You never know what the next right move is but I’ve been really fortunate so far.

“I’m happy the one year mark is something to be celebrated rather than ignored.”