The former X Factor star - whose live income turnover this year is rumoured to be £5m and this week announced an arena tour (see box) - cements an outstanding 12 months, which began with a debut number one single last August, by following up last November's self-titled double-platinum debut with a second album for the pre-Christmas market.

Described as the "final beneficiary of the Nick/Jo Sony partnership" ahead of Raphael's move to Universal to relaunch the London Records label, ...