EX-X Factor contestant Daniel Evans has offered words of wisdom to youngsters seeking fame and fortune on the ITV reality show.

The one-time cab driver, whose family founded Leytonstone taxi firm Goldline Cars, told performers to 'keep it real' and 'do it for the music'.

He said: “If you don't get found by a label, there are still so many more things you can do.

“Too many people go on the show thinking they're guaranteed fame and fortune, but nothing in life is guaranteed.”

Mr Evans lost out on X Factor after being dubbed a 'pub singer' by judges and being likened to comedian Ricky Gervais.

He said: “The judges look for a certain image but it shouldn't be about that. You've got to sing like you mean it – it's got to come from the heart.”

The singer's debut album, entirely self-produced, features songs he believes come from his heart.

He added: “It was a great experience on the X Factor but I didn't get to sing what I wanted to sing.

“These are all my own arrangements – it's nice to be able to do that.”

Mr Evans is set to release the album, No Easy Way, on January 30.