Ian Moor

Ian John Moor (Born January 4 1974) is an English singer, and the "Stars in Their Eyes Champion of Champions"

Ian was born in North Ferriby, near Kingston upon Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
He was brought up in West Hull, living first in Anlaby, and then later in Willerby.

Ian's brother Paul Moor, is one of Europe's top Ten-pin Bowlers, & is a 3-time winner of the [http://www.etbf.dk/ebt/statistics/winnersmen.htm European Bowling Tour]

Brief History

Early Days

Ian was educated first at Anlaby Junior School, where he was first introduced to singing, by music teacher Gwen Staveley. Ian joined the "Music Makers" choir, and was a member throughout his time at the school, regularly performing solos at the school concerts.
Ian also tried his hand at playing the violin, but was unsuccessful and stopped playing after a few years.

Ian then went into secondary education at [http://www.wolfreton.co.uk/ Wolfreton School] in [http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/ERY/Kirkella/Kirkella92.html Kirk Ella] and left with 9 GCSE's.

In February 1993, Ian enrolled in a government sponsored course in entertainment, the first of its kind in the country, which was organised and run
by local Hull based entertainer [http://www.fabulousfifties.co.uk/fifties/showstory.asp?link=showstories&story=195&maincat=52 Johnny Pat] . This gave Ian the necessary experience to eventually turn professional and earn a living as a singer.

From April 1994 Ian worked at [http://www.croda.com/home.aspx?s=1&referer= Croda Paints] (Later becoming [http://www.ameron.com/index.cfm Ameron Coatings] ) in Hull, as a laboratory technician, and left at the end of 1999 to pursue a career in entertainment.

1999

In 1999 Ian won the hit ITV show "Stars in Their Eyes" produced by Granada Television, Manchester in 1999, with his impersonation of Irish Musician & Songwriter Chris De Burgh.
Ian sang Chris' 1986 UK No.1 Hit "The Lady in Red" and polled over 500,000 votes in the 1999 live grand final.

Ian also won the subsequent "Stars in Their Eyes - Champion Of Champions" later that same year, a 10th anniversary special which brought together the first 10 series winners, which included impersonations of Shirley Bassey in 1990, 2 different versions of Marti Pellow, Neil Diamond and more. Ian polled more than 50% of the total vote.

2000

The following year, in 2000 Ian returned for his final appearance on "Stars in Their Eyes" as a guest, returning for the 11th series live grand final, (won by Freddie Mercury). Ian was joined on stage during his performance by the very artist he was impersonating, Chris De Burgh for a rather surreal duet. This remains one of the most memorable moments in the shows 17 year history.

Following success on "Stars in Their Eyes", in 2000, Ian went on to record an album with BMG records. Entitled "Naturally" it achieved top 40 status in its first week. This is Ian's only studio album release to date.A live concert video was also released to coincide with the album, and was recorded at the Hull New Theatre, with Mike d'Abo as musical director. The video was produced by Granada Media.

A national theatre tour followed, which included appearances at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds, the York Opera House, and the Hull New Theatre.

2001

In late 2001, Ian travelled to Malta, and won the title of "Best Singer" at the Maltese Song Contest, an award presented to the best overseas singer. Ian won with an English lyric version of one of the previous years entries! Ian also performed "The Lady In Red" during the contest, which was broadcast on Maltese Television.

In December 2001 and into January 2002 Ian starred alongside Martin Daniels, Alvin Stardust and Diane Youdale (AKA "Jet" from the ITV show "Gladiators" in a pantomime version of "Peter Pan" which played first at the Grimsby Auditorium before moving onto the Leeds Grand Theatre.

Today

Ian now lives in West Yorkshire with partner Helen, and Papillon dog "Toby".

TV & Radio Credits

* Stars in Their Eyes 4 Appearances, from May 1999 to May 2000
* BBC Radio Humberside - (Several appearances from 1999)
* 96.9 Viking FM Radio (June 1999)
* BBC Look North (November 1999)
* This Morning (TV series) with Richard Madeley & Judy Finnegan (4 appearances between 1999 and 2000)
* [http://u.tv/kelly02/ The Kelly Show] , recorded at UTV, Belfast, Northern Ireland (2 appearances, between 1999 & 2000)
* Ian has appeared several times on Yorkshire Television productions, including "Calendar" , "Magic Moments",
"The Magic Of Clubland" and a documentary film about his life after "Stars in Their Eyes"
* BBC Radio Sheffield - Tony Capstick (January 2000)
* London Today (August 2000)
* LBC 97.3 Radio - Steve Allen show (August 2000)
* BBC Radio 2, "Steve Wright In The Afternoon" (August 2000)
* HTV News, Bristol (August 2000)
* [http://www.libertyradio.co.uk/ Liberty Radio] (August 2000)
* Radio Five Live - Nicky Campbell show (2 appearances June 1999 & August 2000)
* Through the Keyhole (2001)

Miscellaneous

Ian is a member of "The Society of M.I.C.E.". A Charitable organisation founded in 1961 by entertainers in Kingston upon Hull and based on the "Grand Order of Water Rats"

From January 2000 to December 2002, Ian was managed by [http://www.derekfranks.co.uk/ Derek Franks]

Following success on "Stars in Their Eyes" Ian was honoured with a civic reception from Beverley County Council

Ian is a shareholder of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

In Ian's early days as a cabaret singer, during and after leaving Johnny Pat's entertainment course, Ian was known by his stage name of "Ian Johns". (using his middle name to form his surname!) This was relatively short-lived, and Ian soon reverted to using his real name.

As well as Chris De Burgh, Ian regards the following as his greatest musical inspirations:-
* John Denver
* Elton John
* ABBA

Ian is a fan of the Hull Vikings speedway team, and Hull City football club.

Ian's other interests include:- Speedway, Formula 1 (favourite Drivers: Elio De Angelis & Ayrton Senna), Heritage Railways, Photography,
Computing, Science Fiction (favourite TV: Blake's 7)

Ian regards the following as his heroes

* John Denver
* Donald Campbell
* Ayrton Senna

External links

* [http://www.chrishigh.com/chris-de-burgh_ian_moor.htm Chris High's Website]
* [http://www.live-on-stage.co.uk/IanMoor.html Live On Stage Biography]
* [http://beehive.thisishull.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=4803 The Society Of MICE homepage]
* [http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/stars_in_their_eyes.htm Details on past "Stars In Their Eyes" winners]
* [http://hullvikings.com/new/index.php Hull Vikings homepage]
* [http://www.british-speedway.co.uk/main.asp The British Speedway Promotors Association (BSPA) Website]
* [http://www.hullcityafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Welcome Hull City Official Website]
* [http://ukhrail.uel.ac.uk/info.html UK Heritage Railways]
* [http://www.nymr.demon.co.uk/ The North Yorkshire Moors Railway homepage]