Singer Jack Bennett became a firm favourite in his hometown after embarking on a solo career following a musical breakthrough with local band Stillia while still a teenager.
After gigging around Europe during recent years, Jack and his partner Katie George settled in Tenerife after he secured a contract with an entertainment company.
His performances in venues such as Waxy O’Sheas, The Red Lion and Skybar have swiftly won recognition, which put him in contention for the Tenerife Entertainment Awards.
Jack and Katie heading to the awards (Image: Jack Bennett)
He was shortlisted in the Best Solo Musician category for the awards held at the island’s Castillo San Miguel venue.
And to the delight of his fans, both home and abroad, he was crowned the winner.
Messages of congratulations poured in after the 29-year-old shared the news on his Instagram page.
Speaking to the Star earlier this month, the ex-Stillia frontman said: “I’d been travelling around Europe gigging and I guess I fell in love with the place.
“Me and the missus (Katie George) had a chat about making the move over there, so I got a visa and had a few contract offers.
“I got a contract with a great company to work for and have been working in some of the biggest bars in Tenerife.”
“It seems quite a big deal and I’ll be playing in front of 800 to 1,000 people.”
The crowds in Tenerife have been loving Jack’s shows (Image: Jack Bennett)
Jack, from Sutton, admits to missing his hometown on occasions, although “waking up to sunshine and palm trees” and chilling by the pool in the day before performing at night is a lifestyle he’s enjoying.
Connections with St Helens are never too far away though, with holidaymakers from Jack’s hometown often seeking him out for a chat and maybe a request or two.
He added: “Yes, I get lots and lots coming up to me and I absolutely love it, it’s pretty much every week – I either know them or it’s people who are from St Helens who want a chat, some even ask for old Stillia tracks.”