Chris Clegg, 27, won the money after belting out a rendition of the Commodores' classic "Easy" in an episode of the show on Saturday night.

The programme, hosted by Ben Sheppard and Denise Van Outen, has a primetime slot and is watched by millions of viewers around the country.

Delighted Chris said: "It was an amazing feeling knowing that you are singing on TV and I'm extremely happy with the winnings because it's a huge amount of money."

The English and PE teacher was among an audience of 100 people when he was picked out to take part in the main game in which contestants' singing ability is judged by a super-computer.

After winning heats against two other karaoke singers he qualified for the game finale to sing for money.

He sang Erasure's 'A Little Respect' to get to £5,000 and made it to £25,000 by singing The Commodores hit.

Then he was given the choice of gambling his winnings and going for the big prize of £50,000 by attempting the Take That hit 'Shine'.

He decided to walk away with the money, making him the biggest winner of the series so far.

The former Swinton man, who now lives and works in Nottingham, has spent part of his winnings on a trip to Dubai and is looking forward to further holidays in Ibiza and Spain.