Career: In early 2000, James and Anthony Costa convinced Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe to form boy band Blue. The band found commercial success in the United Kingdom, as well as other countries, including Portugal, France, Australia and New Zealand. They achieved many top 10 and number one hits on the UK Singles Chart. The band went on hiatus in 2005 and James embarked on a solo career, although he failed to gain commercial success. After quitting his solo career in 2007, James turned to acting and appeared in a West End version of Chicago. He also made various TV appearances, including in an episode of The Bill, as a presenter of Grease: the School Musical and more. He came third on ITVs Dancing on Ice in 2007 and played a caricature of himself in Channel 4's Comedy Showcase, among other TV appearances. Blue made a comeback in 2011, representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest and going on to release their fourth studio album in 2013 as well as going on tour. In 2016, James began playing Ryan Knight in Hollyoaks.