AN IRVINE teen who wowed national viewers with his vocals and guitar skills on an ITV talent show has thanked everyone for their support and kind comments telling how music has been invaluable in managing his Tourette’s.

Fourteen-year-old Blair Gilmour, who was a complete non-singer til April last year, stunned The Voice Kids judges Danny Jones, Paloma Faith, Pixie Lott and Will.i.am when he appeared during the blind auditions broadcast earlier in the month.

The singer and guitarist, who has performed in venues including The Clutha Bar, King Tuts and The Barrowlands in Glasgow during his journey spanning just over a year, made it through to the battle rounds on the show.

And the talented teenager then showed off his drumming skills which were developed as an outlet to help with his tourettes in an impromptu jam with judges,

Since the the show, the Greenwood Academy and former Lawthorn Primary pupil told the Times he’s mostly been in his bedroom studio working on original material which he is aiming to release in the near future– adding that he plays music every day apart from when eating.

He said: “I’ve been getting a lot of nice comments – people that I don’t know have been saying it was great and I’m their favourite on the show which his very kind of them.

“It was at primary school in p6 the people from Yamaha in Kilmarnock came to show pupils what they could offer at their music school and I wanted to play the drums.

“I found that it helped relax me which helped manage my tics. That was the start if my passion for drumming. I entered a competition Kilmarnock has talent drumming, I didn’t win but still got chosen to go to the Yamaha HQ in Milton Keynes to be part of a video for the Yamaha school of music.

“When I sit down at the drums or behind any musical instrument my Tourette’s just seem to disappear. They actually don’t but I can disguise them when performing. For me playing music is a kind of an escape.

“ Taking part was a great experience, working with the vocal coach and the film crew was amazing. the feeling backstage is hard to describe, it’s just a huge adrenaline rush and hearing the people in the crowd screaming is out if this world

“When I saw Danny turn round I was just buzzing, I just wanted to stop and take it in for a moment but obviously couldn’t, then Paloma turned followed by Pixie and the buzz I felt was incredible.”

Blair will return on battle rounds of The Voice Kids UK after more blind auditions.

For more information just visit the Blair Gilmour Music Facebook page