AN OUT-OF-WORK singer who has taken a job as a school cleaner is now wowing teachers and pupils with his amazing operatic performances.

Paul Michael, 44, usually works in hotels and holiday parks and as a Pavarotti tribute but hasn't had any bookings since last March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He took on a full-time job mopping the floors at Allenbourn Middle School in Wimborne to tide him over.

Staff were oblivious to his singing talents until they had a recent fun day at school which is only being attended by children of key workers at the moment.

While music was playing in the background staff were asked by pupils to sing along and Paul was invited to take his turn.

He stunned everyone with a flawless performance of Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' and then sung Pavarotti's 'Nessun Dorma' to a standing ovation.

Paul, who is from Wimborne, now entertains staff and pupils by singing along while he cleans the school.

Bournemouth Echo: Paul Michael is a cleaner at Allenbourn Middle School in Wimborne. Picture: BNPS/ Corin MesserPaul Michael is a cleaner at Allenbourn Middle School in Wimborne. Picture: BNPS/ Corin Messer

He said: "Nobody knew that I am a singer when I took the job, it never came up.

"But what happened was during the fun day I heard one teacher murdering From Now On from the Greatest Showman.

"So I stuck my head in the door and they asked me to sing. I just went in with my mop and sang Ed Sheered and then Nessun Dorma and it was a brilliant moment.

"It was great to see the reaction of the children. It was just totally unplanned and sometimes those are the best moments.

"Now I get teachers coming up to me while I'm working and they ask 'give us a tune Paul'. It's great."

Bournemouth Echo: Paul says he wants to continue his role as a cleaner even after the pandemic. Picture: BNPS/ Corin MesserPaul says he wants to continue his role as a cleaner even after the pandemic. Picture: BNPS/ Corin Messer

Pupil Jennifer Charlwood, 11, said: "Me and my class didn't think he would be any good.

"He then put some Ed Sheeran on and he had the most beautiful voice ever. He was amazing.

"All the staff came to our classroom because they could hear him from downstairs.

"At the end we all stood up clapping and cheering."

Paul's partner, Martine, 49, has joined him as a cleaner at the school.

Paul, who lives with Martine and stepchildren Max, 19, and Mia, 14, has worked on the cruise ship and club circuits all his adult life but hopes to carry on working at the school even when things get back to normal.

Bournemouth Echo: School cleaner Paul Michael is stunning pupils and staff with his jaw-dropping operatic performances. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

He said: "I was hit hard by the pandemic and before the first lockdown I had a full year of bookings laid out.

"I took the job to provide for the family but I actually have ended up really loving it."