Danny’s Mum Tracey was just 16 when she found out she was pregnant with him. His Dad dale himself was only 18 and after a tough relationship his parents split up when Danny was 4.

After the relationship ended Danny was brought up by his beloved grandparents Patricia and Reg. His neighbours remember him as a happy little boy who was always playing football with his mates.

Danny went to school at Thomas Fairchild Community School in Hackney. Staff at the school remembers his Nan Patricia as being an integral part in his young life. One teacher said: ‘She was extremely supportive and a very good influence. Danny was a lovely boy and well-liked by the children.’ Upon his hear’say success one ex classmate exclaimed ‘Well done Danny....who knew you'd grow up to be famous!’

Aged 11, Danny went on to the Central Foundation School for Boys, in London's Old Street. Head of year Ian Robinson remembered him ‘He was a tremendous kid, and bright too. He could have gone to university but said he wanted to go do child care instead. I watched Popstars and saw how amazed he was to make it into the band. That was typical Danny. He didn't see himself as special.’

In 1996 Danny enrolled at the City and Islington College in Holloway, London to study childcare. He quickly established himself as one of the most popular pupils on the course. Hayley Price, who was also on the course, said: ‘He was really popular, always having a laugh. He was never one for the streets and never used to get into trouble. All his friends are delighted at what he's achieved.’

Danny first discovered his talent for singing aged 18 when he tried Karaoke for the first time on a family holiday in Tenerife. ‘I'd had a couple of beers and these waiters were singing La Bamba and they dragged me up. I grabbed the mic and started singing along and instantly fell in love with singing.’

After returning to England, Danny decided to take a year out of his training and 'really give singing a go'. He said: 'I knew I wanted to teach from an early age and I know it's always something I can go back to.'

For a short time he worked as a famous Butlin’s Red Coat. Christopher Manning remembered working with him: ‘Danny worked for two weeks at Butlin’s with me in 1997 or 1998. He was really friendly.’

Danny then started going along to auditions and DJing and singing in local bars and clubs. He became a frequent visitor to The Baring Arms, Hoxton and developed his singing talent by performing in karaoke contents. Danny describes the pub as ‘where it all started for me’ and ex landlady Anita O’Leary remembers the time fondly.

He supported himself by cleaning offices and working in Marks and Spencer. Danny says: ‘I stacked shelves at Marks & Spencer at night and went for auditions during the day. I wanted to give it a go so that I had no regrets.’

In 1999 Danny made his TV debut when he appeared on Michael Barrymore's My Kind of Music series 2. Danny sang the Matt Monro hit 'If I Never Sing another Song’ in the ‘My Kind of People’ segment. Ironically Popstars and Liberty X star Jessica Taylor also appeared on My Kind of Music as a contestant.