TALENTED Halesowen saxophonist Julian Smith is back in his home town Halesowen after he was pipped to the post in the Britain’s Got Talent final.

Music teacher Julian, aged 40, came a respectable third out of ten finalists with his rendition of Somewhere from West Side Story.

With more than a million votes cast the married father of two was beaten by singer Susan Boyle, who came second, and dance group winners Diversity on the show last Saturday, May 30.

Julian said he had been overwhelmed by the public support he had received and was looking forward to taking part in the Britain’s Got Talent tour which kicks off in Birmingham on June 12.

Julian, who teaches music privately, said: “I'm back at home trying to get back to normal – it's been a bit tiring but I'm really looking forward to the tour. People have been great – they have been coming up and asking for pictures and autographs.”

The father of two said his wife Iraz was “really proud” of him. He said he thought his achievement as a sole musician to beat dancers and singers in the competition had been like a “David and Goliath” battle.

Julian said he was “amazed” to get into the top three but had not yet signed a recording contract, saying he was concentrating on the show's tour.