It was a roller coaster ride for Mark, who is currently rehearsing in London for the Pop Idol Tour ,and I am sure he would be the first to say it's a ride he will never forget. Over the past few months things have been quieter in the public eye but here at the Firs we have been lucky enough to be visted by Mark on a few occassions, with his family and his nephew Tom. So here's a quick view on Mark and why here at the Firs we are proud to call him our Pop Idol.

In the Sun on 7th January 2004 the annoucement was made Mark, with fellow competitor Sam, had been signed up by Simon Fuller to form a duet. The release of their first single, a cover of the Beatle's A little Help From My Friends, on 9th February was a great success securing a number one slot in the UK Charts. With this achievement under his belt his next public appearance will be on 10th March at the NEC Birmingam with the launch of the country wide Pop Idol tour.

The day many of us at the Firs will not forget was Boxing Day when Mark and his family came down to enjoy a pint and share his talents with us, karaoke style. Despite his TV fame he was down to earth and had no hesitation signing autographs and having photographs taken with some of his fans here at the Firs, making it a great evening for us all. Since then we have seen Mark on a few occassions and every time it has been a pleasure, with his true sincerity and friendly manner he truely deserves the success we are sure he will achieve