THE sound of The Beatles was brought uncannily into the 21st Century and wowed a television audience of millions.

Jeff Greenhalgh, from Leigh, took the stage as Paul McCartney and won Saturday's Stars in Their Eyes.

But his version of Eleanor Rigby was tinged with sadness -- his father-in-law Wilf Robinson died two days before the show went out.

Jeff, aged 43, said: "I believe he was up there with me."

He revealed how his rise to fame began when he and twin brother Tony formed a duo.

Jeff, a bus depot engineering administrator for First Manchester, said: "Tony had a guitar and I sang. I suppose it was only natural somebody in the family would follow in dad's footsteps -- he made up half of The Keytones duo which were a top act 40 years ago."

His dad, Albert, who died three years ago, and his mum Eileen, spotted Jeff's talent in those early years.

These days, Jeff has a diary full of North-west nightclub bookings.

Saturday's televised recording was done at the end of May when Jeff's wife Julie, his mum and older brother Kenny were in the audience to cheer him on.

He'll be back at Granada's Manchester studios for the final on December 2.