An ex-presenter has set up his own vocal coaching and performance training company.

Gary Hughes, from Acton, can be remembered for his role presenting in E4 dating show Playing It Straight back in 2012, but now he has launched The Voice Studio.

Mr Hughes is beginning a set of workshops and courses this month (January) where he will coach members on songs and dances from musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and Les Miserables.

He aims to provide a genuine, bespoke and personal service that can enhance peoples lives, build confidence and find friendships, and the course ends with a showcase performance for friends and family.

The six week programme promises to be comfortable and promote confidence while also being fun.

Mr Hughes trained at The Purcell School of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music and has been performing professionally in musical theatre and coaching performers for eight years.

The coach, who has lived in Acton for five years, said: “I am excited about my new venture and feel extremely positive.

“I am thankful to everyone I have worked with and who I continue to work with. I have learned so much about my craft by working with individuals and companies over the last eight years and truly feel now is the time to gather up all of that experience and use it in my own individual and special way.”

The Six Week Introduction to Musical Theatre Course will run from January 30 to March 6 on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm in Marylebone, Central London, at £245 per person.

For more information visit: www.voicestudiolondon.com or contact: info@voicestudiolondon.com.