Ex-G4 singer follows bandmate to church

A QUARTER of the chart-topping phenomenon G4 is following his former bandmate with an exclusive performance at the same church.

Ben Thapa, who shot to fame with the classical-pop group in 2004, after being runners up in the hit TV show The X Factor, will perform to an audience at Emmanuel Church, Sidlow Bridge, at the end of the month.

The event follows bandmate Mike Christie's concert at the church in September – when the singer launched his solo career.

So what is it about this particular church?

"It's just a real pleasure to perform there. I performed in June this year and it was brilliant," explained Ben. "It's a beautiful church and I received a lovely welcome.

"We have also had so much support from Tim Spinney [churchwarden at Emmanuel Church], who we all know personally. He has really helped us all."

Mr Spinney, of Reigate Road, Hookwood, said these types of performances help create a buzz with church members.

"We've had quite a lot of interest," Mr Spinney told the Mirror.

"This kind of music appeals to a wide range of people from around 25 to 90. It's great for us to be able to provide somewhere for these artists to get more of a foothold with their careers."

Mr Spinney, who is a family friend to the G4 members, explained how the church is a member of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead Arts Council (BRBAC) and is committed to giving young performers the chance to perform to an audience.

"This includes giving these artists the opportunity to launch their solo careers," he added.

Ben, 27, who lives in Wandsworth, London, will perform songs from his new CD, titled Songs From My Childhood, at the Sidlow Bridge church at 8pm on Friday, October 30.

He will be accompanied by Rebecca Lea and will be joined in the first half by local folk musicians John and Joe Scott-Cree, and fiddler Eddie Hurdman.

The tenor said: "I'm really looking forward to performing my new CD, which will be out at the beginning of November. It's the only concert I'm doing in the area and I hope people will enjoy it."

Since leaving G4 in 2007 all four members have pursued their own careers but remain close friends.

"We all still keep in touch, I was at Jonathan's (Ansell) wedding the other week and it's just nice that we can remain friends.

"It was so busy after being in X Factor, but it's just fantastic being able to sing for a living."

To buy tickets (£15 or £12 concessions) call Tim Spinney on 01293 786048.