THE mockery of former Prime Minister John "grey" Major may seem a distant joke to many, but a man who spent his childhood in Kidderminster before hitting the big time has hailed it as his big break.

James O'Brien, who made his debut hosting television debate show Central Weekend on Friday, was thrust into a world of popstars, footballers and politicians after seizing his opportunity when the old Tory leader attempted to change his dour image.

The 29-year-old, who moved to Kidderminster aged three and went to Holy Trinity and Winterfold House schools, is also now starring as a panellist on Channel 5's topical debate programme The Wright Stuff.

And he has mixed it with the likes of David Bowie, David Beckham, Lenny Kravitz and Clive James.

However, for some years his ideal life in national television and newspapers was a distant dream until Mr Major decided enough was enough.

Nottingham-born James, who now lives in Norwich, said: "After Winterfold I went to boarding school and then the London School of Economics.

"I had a job in a Regent Street suit shop about five years ago and an order came in from John Major for a trendy white suit to wear at an EU summit.

"It was at the time of the Spitting Image taunting for his grey and dowdy image, so I thought the press might be interested.

"I told the Daily Express and instead of getting a fee I had some work experience and ended up becoming its showbiz editor!"

Success spiralled and he was soon writing articles for other national newspapers and making appearances on television and radio shows.

James, who is married to wife Lucy with whom he presented Five Talk during this year's General Election coverage, added: "I am most proud of getting the first interview with David Beckham after he was sent off in the 1998 World Cup. I think he appreciated I was the only journalist not more interested in Posh Spice's weight!

"I also presented a late-night chat show in the Anglia region a short time ago which had good ratings and gave me the chance to interview Craig Fairbrass of Eastenders and the model Caprice."

But he does not forget his Wyre Forest background despite his hectic big-city lifestyle, and believes there is one main ingredient to his success.

"I'm a journalist who likes to talk to people in the real world and not politicians in the Houses of Parliament who haven't lived in it for years," he said.

"My father has been a big help and is always about should I need to turn to him for advice."

His father, also called James, is a former Shuttle/Times and News journalist who has worked for national newspapers and is now at the Birmingham Post.

James senior is married to Joan, who runs a women's fashion shop in Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, and they live in Hurcott Village in the town.

You can watch James in action on Central Weekend for the next three Fridays at 10.30pm.