The blond singer, who shot to fame as part of the group G4 and is a former pupil of Chichester's Bishop Luffa School, is the first member to go it alone since the band split in the summer.

He has landed a five-album deal with Universal Music.

G4 were discovered on ITV talent show The X-Factor and went on to sell two million albums worldwide.

The band performed at Portsmouth Guildhall on May 23 this year as part of their farewell tour.

Bognor-born Jonathan said: 'It's amazing. I've been in negotiations with EMI, Universal and Sony since G4 split – and Universal came up with the best deal – one where I get the greatest creative input.

'I'm starting work on the first album within the next couple of weeks. I'll be laying down the vocals. It will be classical music that will appeal to the sort of people who listen to Classic FM.

'It's music that's my true identity – not confusing as G4 was with its cross-over appeal. But at the same time it'll still be exciting.

'The music will include soundtracks from films such as Gladiator, Dances with Wolves and Gone with the Wind, but with orginal lyrics.

'I haven't spoken to the other members of G4 about it yet, but I got an email from Mike today. He's at college not far from where I live so we'll meet up soon for a pint.'

The 25-year-old shot to fame with friends Matthew Stiff, Mike Christie and Ben Thapa on The X-Factor in 2004. They were runners-up but soon eclipsed the career of series winner Steve Brookstein.