A Stratford music producer is through to the second round of a BBC One talent show.

J Sealy traded producing for performing in a bid to impress the judges on Saturday night’s episode of The Voice.

“I entered a competition called Britain’s Got Reggae, as I’ve got quite a deep voice and have been told I sound a bit like Bob Marley,” he said.

“Two days later I was approached to enter The Voice.”

J lost his hearing in one ear in 2014 but didn’t want to give up his passion.

His perseverance paid off as he made it through to the blind audition round of the hit show, where he performed for judges Boy George, Paloma Faith, Ricky Wilson and Will.I.Am.

“It was something I was looking forward to,” said the 43-year-old.

“I got a few butterflies when I got on the stage and saw the audience.”

Those nerves were allayed when former Culture Club frontman Boy George turned his chair, selecting J as one of his 12 contestants to go through to the battle round.

“You’ve got a great soul voice,” the judge said.

“There’s a great vulnerability in your voice so we’ve got something to work with.

“I’m very happy to have you on my team.”

Fellow judge Ricky Wilson said: “I could tell you poured a lot of emotion into that and it was really coming across.

“It’s great when you get someone that understands the song, really connects with it, and that’s what the next round’s all about so well done.”

J revealed his song choice of Rod Stewart’s The First Cut is the Deepest has a personal meaning to him,

“It’s my mum’s favourite song,” he said. “She’s always singing it around the house.”

On the big night, he got a few friends and family members together to watch the episode on television.

“It’s an experience you only get once, isn’t it?” he said.