A star is born

Watched by more than nine million viewers, the 41-year-old went down to the wire in the ITV talent competition only to lose out to Mancunian Shayne Ward.

The former binman was philosophical about coming second having thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

"Saturday's show was brilliant and made for a great spectacle," he said. "Just getting to the final was a great achievement in itself."

Andy, who lives with his wife, Denise, and children Tara, ten, and Jacob, eight, in Baker Street, is now looking forward to a family Christmas before continuing his rise to fame in what he hopes will be a busy 2006, which includes the X Factor tour in February.

He is not giving anything away about a possible recording contract but is confident the offers will be there.

"All I will say is, watch this space Enfield," he joked. "I'm not in this for the fame. I'm in it for the love of singing, but if I can get a good few years work then I will be happy."

Andy's soulful performances through 12 rounds of the competition took him all the way to Los Angeles and the home of his mentor Sharon Osbourne. Tragically, Andy returned from LA to hear of the death of his mother.

"I think my Mum would be proud of me because she was always 1000 per cent behind me," he said. "I remember taking her to a singing competition I was in. All I could hear while I was performing was her shouting that's my boy'," he added.

During the show, Andy was never afraid to admit he was singing for his family and the Abrahams have already got used to signing items for autograph hunters. However, a recent shopping trip descended into chaos when he was recognised and mobbed by fans.

Andy gave up working as a bin man at the beginning of the show but is the first to admit he would not be too proud to return to his former job.

"If it meant putting food on the table, I'd go out and be a bin man again. My pride is not that big but I do hope the X Factor has opened doors for me," he said.