Blackpool guitarist to star in TV show

Acclaimed musician Jon Gomm, 39, will star in Sky Arts’ Guitar Star talent show next month.

Jon, who lived in Blackpool before moving to Leeds, will appear as a tutor to assist contestants battling it out to be crowned Britain’s next top guitarist.

He said: “It’s a bit unusual. It’s not a talent show like X Factor. It’s much more similar to Masterchef because it’s all about the craft.

“They send off the finalists to me for a master-class and they ask me lots of questions. Then we do a one-to-one lesson and I give them a critique.

“The episode I’m in is all about technique and the mechanics of playing guitar. I’m known for my guitar techniques and I play a lot of different styles so I have all the bases covered.

“If they send them to me it doesn’t matter whether they rock or blues or jazz, I’ll be able to critique it.”

Jon started playing guitar when he was just four-years-old and was soon accompanying his father to blues gigs all over the resort.

His Guitar Star role marks his second appearance on the show, which started last year.

He said: “Doing TV is really surreal. Teaching the lessons and performing is fine, except its a little bit scary because of the cameras.

“They have to film you walking around. They had to film me two or three times because I could never get it right.

“The more natural you try to look the more unnatural you are!

“The atmosphere backstage is really great. They have the guitarists all back there hanging out with each other.

“Real friendships form between people of all different backgrounds and ages from all over Britain.

“It’s awesome to be a part of it for a couple of days.

“If I was a young guitarist again starting out I would love to be on the show.

“It’s really hard not to have favourites straight away when they are playing right in front of you. You get a real emotional reaction.

“I’m really glad that I don’t have to judge who’s going to win!”

• Guitar Star airs on Sky Arts on July 5.