Singer Si Cranstoun, 38, spent years struggling to make ends meet performing for passer-bys - including then PM Tony Blair, who once gave him 30p.

But last April, Si landed a breakthrough deal with music giants Warner.

The busker's first single 'Caught in the Moonlight' was shortlisted on the Radio 2 playlist last month and his debut album, which has been publicly backed by Radio 2 legend Terry Wogan, is set for release this summer.

Si Cranstoun, from Caterham, in Sussex said: "When I was played on the radio my family came over and my parents were in tears. They are so proud.

"It has been a wonderful life and street entertainment is all about lifting people's spirits and enjoying the music."

Busking has played a crucial role throughout crooning Si Cranstoun's life - he even met his wife while busking in Croydon eight years ago.

Si recalled the day he became wife Tamu's number one single.

He said: "Tamu came over and asked for a CD to be signed. I didn't even look at her until I saw this hand holding a CD.

"I glanced up and I came face to face with the most beautiful face I had ever seen.

"It was a really natural thing. I realised she was gorgeous and so wrote my e-mail down and asked her to let me know what she thought.

"Then she got in touch and the rest is history."

The couple were married two years later and six years on, they now have a daughter, Tiva, five, and a son Kaius, three.

Despite his new-found fame Si still goes back to the streets to perform.

He joked: "I'm writing songs to try and stop people from doing their shopping."

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