18 months ago he was packing shelves in Tesco's in Edinburgh. Now he is contemplating the release of his debut album

Reaching the grand final of BBC's Any Dream Will Do in front of millions of viewers every Saturday evening has stood his life on its head.

Keith takes in Chichester this month on a tour to promote the new album. He can still scarcely believe all that's happened.

But it certainly hasn't spoilt him. You couldn't wish for a more friendly, more natural chap to talk to.

He speaks with huge enthusiasm about the album – a key step if he is to maintain the success he's so had so far.

Called This Time, it includes songs from great international songwriters including Ivor Novello award-winning Steve Robson, Oscar-winning Don Black and Kian Egan (Westlife).

Alongside them are three tracks co-written by Keith, plus the Any Dream Will Do tracks which endeared him to the nation, You Raise Me Up and Love is All Around.

Since the show, Keith has performed up and down the country on the touring production of Joseph; he's enjoyed numerous appearances on TV and radio; and he's starred in a brand-new musical – Only the Brave – which made its debut at The Edinburgh International Festival.

Now he's contemplating his first UK tour, taking in The Venue at Chichester on October 18.

"The things which have happened since the show have just been incredible," he says. "And last year I was still working in Tesco's"

"But I am still the same guy," he insists – and it's easy to believe him. "I have just had to grow up a bit. I am still the same personality I was. I just have to be a lot more presentable! I always have to dress nicely when I go out now!

"You do get recognised, but you just have to try to be yourself. You've got to be natural. That's what people liked about Any Dream Will Do."

The tough thing is that the schedule is now non-stop. He admits he isn't too good at remembering things and keeping dates: "They are now always texting me to remind me!"

But he's certainly coped with the pressures so far: "I am just lucky to be going to do a lot more things, which is fantastic. It is great not just to be doing covers, but the songs I have co-written. It's good to show a part of me, the things I like."

Any Dream Will Do was a massive opportunity to have a career in the spotlight: "I have just got to capitalise on that and work even harder."

But he's not leaving it all behind. Tesco's were hugely supportive of him: "I am going back there to sing on the day of the release of the album."