CULTURE VILTURE

Former Union J singer Josh Cuthbert on Givenchy and learning to cook in front of the television cameras

- Duncan Hall

How hard was it to leave Union J after seven years together?

Music was and still is my passion. As a young lad I always dreamed of doing music – I was in six different bands before Union J, even though I was only 18 when we launched. I was so hungry to be successful. I have incredible memories and experiences that I will never forget from being in the band – but it felt like the time was right to spread my wings. It is a really tough industry to stay positive, stay focused and motivated in. I needed a change of career and focus for my mental health. It has been nice to discover a little bit about myself.

Do you plan to launch a solo career?

I still feel like I have got unfinished business in the music industry. My voice has become so much stronger in the past two years than it ever was with Union J.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I grew up listening to Oasis with my dad. My mum and dad split up when I was five or six, so my only real memory of them together is of us singing to Oasis. Seeing them I remember thinking I would love to be in a band, and then, once the band’s days were over, having a solo career!

What music inspired Triple J – the band which would become Union J on The X Factor?