A SINGER-SONGWRITER from Holland-on-Sea hopes for a future writing music for movies, thanks to a national TV contest.

Acoustic guitarist Adrian Nation, of Fleetwood Avenue, made it through to the final 16 in Sky Arts’ Guitar Star from thousands of entrants.

But Adrian, 45, who is well known for his music and as a youth team coach at Clacton Rugby Club, was voted out by the judges in Tuesday’s show.

Adrian said he was privileged to spend two days at the John Henry Studios in London working with Mexican acoustic guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela.

“I had a couple of fantastic days with the mentors,” he said. “After the first day, from the reaction I had, I thought I was the front runner to go through to the next round.

“But on the second day, I didn’t quite nail my second performance.

“I got a great reaction from everybody, but inside I knew I didn’t do well enough.

“I was disappointed, but on the upside it has created some very big opportunities for me.”

Adrian said the exposure from the high-profile contest could open more doors for him, despite not winning the top prize of performing in front of thousands on the main stage at the Latitude music festival.

He added: “One of the judges, Nitin Sawhney, said I should be writing music for films and is going to introduce me to an agency woman who was involved with the music for the Lord of the Rings.

“I will be meeting up with him soon to talk about it. If it comes off, it could be a major opportunity.

“Rodrigo y Gabriela said they loved what I did and will try to arrange for me to open some shows for them.”

Adrian continued: “I had a fantastic time and don’t regret being part of it.

“I met some great people and the potential opportunities that have arisen are as good for me as winning the competition.”

  •  Adrian will play alongside Ramon Goose in An Evening of Contemporary Folk and Blues at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre on July 9 at 8pm. Tickets are available on 01206 573948.