WHEN X Factor finalist Katie Markham was selected by Adele to appear in the BBC Adele Special presented by Graham Norton, she never dreamed she would sing live with her idol on stage and launch a UK tour within the space of 12 months.

Katie brings her show, Someone Like You (The Adele Songbook) to Lighthouse, Poole on Friday, January 18. The singer took time out ahead of her performance to answer a few questions...

How do you approach the role – do you go for a faithful recreation of Adele’s delivery ?

“I’ve always been an Adele fan and her songs naturally fell into my set whenever I was performing. I was singing at an event one day and was told that I sounded like Adele. I think I started performing her songs properly as a full show around 2011. I remember falling in love with the 21 album and adding more and more of the tracks to my gigs that eventually it just made sense to do a tribute to her.”

What advice would you give to talented young singers who are looking for a break into the professional world?

“I think I would tell them to get out there and actually sing in whatever venue was available as often as possible.

“There are always opportunities for those with talent who keep working hard and pushing themselves. I think the key point is to get out of your comfort zone and do things that put you under pressure as it is the best way to grow.

“If you are too comfortable you will find yourself stuck in a rut. There will be many heartbreaks and setbacks along the way but eventually it will pay off.”

Tickets: £21, call 01202 280000 or visit lighthousepoole.co.uk