Fame could be beckoning for hunky handyman Andrew Morris, writes NICK EVANS. The six-foot, 13-stone decorator could become television's new Handy Andy on the Richard and Judy show.
A friend entered Andrew's name for a competition to find a presenter for the DIY slot on ITV's This Morning programme.
It was intended as a joke - but the 29-year-old, from Cuxham, near Watlington, could have the last laugh.
Screen tests began in August, when a celebrity panel whittled down hundreds of entries to just four.
Andrew said: "Travelling down to London was the most nerve-wracking moment of my life. It was like going to school for the first time.
"The most terrifying moment was when the floor manager turned to me and said, 'Don't worry, there are only three million people watching'." The contestants had to prove their worth as "hunky handymen" in front of a panel of TV celebrities, including Leslie Grantham, best known as EastEnders' Dirty Den, and critic Nina Myskow.
Andrew wowed the panel by knocking out a CD rack in double quick time.
"We were all flying by the seat of our pants a bit. We only had about 24 hours' notice that we'd have to make something for the show," he said.
There's already one Handy Andy on television - DIY expert, Andy Kane, from BBC1's Changing Rooms.
But Oxfordshire's own Handy Andy said modestly: "Although some people might think I am a hunky handyman, I'm not so sure."
The telly hopeful will now have to wait to hear whether he is to become a household name, but he says the publicity has come in useful.
"I'm hoping my TV appearance will help to drum up trade. I run my own business so any adverts are most appreciated." TOP TEN DIY SONGS
1. More Than a CeilingBoston
2. (You Make Me Wanna) GroutLulu
3. I'm Mandy, Ply Me10cc
4. Hammer BelieveThe Monkees
5. MDF You Leave Me NowChicago
6. Under the Floorboard WalkThe Drifters
7. Masking Tape It to the LimitThe Eagles
8. Bar-B&Q Girl Aqua
9. Tongue and Groovy Kind of LovePhil Collins
10. DrillerMichael Jackson
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