East Anglian Boy singer goes on tour with new show

A former X Factor contestant who became an internet sensation after his comedy song went viral is going on tour.

East Anglian Boy, Leon Mallett's parody cover of Estelle's American Boy, was viewed online millions of times when it was published on social media last summer.

He has since written his first official single and partnered with a local comedy promoter to tour Norfolk.

The 30-year-old, from Lingwood, near Norwich, described 2024 as his "biggest year yet".

"It's been mad. I haven't really had a moment to sit back and think about it," he said.

"It all happened so quickly and as soon as it did happen I jumped on it."

Mallett said his new single and tour - entitled, Alright My Darlin? - was inspired by a phrase his grandmother affectionately used.

The music video was filmed in Norwich, and the lyrics include lines such as "Excuse me, I beg your pardon, I just want to know if you're alright my darlin?".

Mallett became a professional singer after appearing on The X Factor in 2017, where he got as far as the live shows.

"I learnt from when I was on The X Factor that I was too young for it. I let it come and go without even trying, as I thought I'd already made it," he said.

"This time, as soon as the opportunity came, I thought 'Right, I'm going to pounce on this.'

"From there it's going from strength to strength."

Martin Westgate, from Norwich-based promoter, Hooma Comedy, joked that he partnered with Mallett after "seeing dollar signs".

"I like to promote local acts and I think Leon was on the rise when we started talking," he said.

"He was more of a singer than a stand-up but there was potential because the songs were quite funny.

"It's working so far and the audiences are enjoying it."

Mallett's tour of Norfolk and Waveney starts later, with a show at the Bowling House in Norwich.

His single is released on 17 January.

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