Are You Being Served? actor Mike Berry impressed the coaches on The Voice despite failing his blind audition.

The 1960s pop star, who said he is “singing better now” than during his heyday, performed Buddy Holly’s True Love Ways for US artist will.i.am, Boy George, Ricky Wilson and Paloma Faith.

No one on the all-star panel spun their chair for him.

Mike Berry auditioned for The Voice
Mike Berry auditioned for The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

The veteran entertainer, 73, is the latest familiar face to try out for the show. He was signed by British producer Joe Meek and enjoyed a top 30 hit with Tribute To Buddy Holly in 1961.

Two years later, Don’t You Think It’s Time made the top 10 and he toured with the Rolling Stones in 1964.

Mike’s friend Charles Hodges of Chas & Dave fame produced his 1980 top 10 hit The Sunshine Of Your Smile, and accompanied the actor to his audition.

The Voice coaches will.i.am, Paloma Faith and Ricky Wilson
The Voice coaches will.i.am, Paloma Faith and Ricky Wilson (BBC/Wall to Wall)

“I thought it was a fantastic performance,” Paloma told him.

“You’re definitely a singer,” Ricky added.

Boy George said: “I’m not surprised you’ve been doing this for a long time.”

“You are top-notch, amazing, smooth voice. I would hate to bring my girl around you,” will.i.am stated.

Chas embraced Mike and said: “You’ve done yourself proud.”

Northampton-born Mike, who played the father in Jon Pertwee series Worzel Gummidge, starred as Mr Spooner in Are You Being Served? from 1981 until the BBC sitcom ended in 1985.

Earlier in the BBC One talent series, three coaches hit their buzzers for Rick Snowdon during his rendition of I Put A Spell On You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.

Rick Snowdon
Rick Snowdon (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

The formerly obese 29-year-old from Hartlepool weighed 26 stones at his heaviest, but has lost half his body weight.

“What a great performance and what a great voice,” Boy George enthused, while Ricky described him as “a 10″.

“I would absolutely love to sing with you,” Paloma stated just before the wannabe rock star joined her team.

Ricky Wilson with Jolan
Ricky Wilson with Jolan (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

Cumbrian contestant Jolan sparked the same scenario, but a different outcome. The 22-year-old first tried out for The Voice in 2014.

His version of Wishing Well by Terence Trent D’Arby made everyone except will.i.am turn their chairs.

“Flawless,” said Ricky.

Jolan on stage
Jolan on stage (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

Despite strong pitches from Paloma and Boy George, who promised the singer-songwriter “global rather than just a few little islands”, the singer from Whitehaven surprised everyone by selecting Ricky.

The Kaiser Chiefs frontman was the only coach who wanted electrician Mia Sylvester.

The 28-year-old from Luton returned to the show after failing last year and sang Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin.

JJ Soulx on The Voice
JJ Soulx on The Voice (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

JJ Soulx quit her City of London job to pursue her love of music. She had to choose between Paloma and Ricky following her rap, soul and jazz-inspired take on Marvin Gaye classic What’s Goin’ On.

“I could hear all your influences straight away,” said the female coach, who ended up with the 25-year-old.

Londoner Theo Llewellyn is also on Paloma’s team. The 26-year-old sang Anita Baker’s Sweet Love.

Eli Cripps
Eli Cripps (Guy Levy/Wall To Wall/BBC)

Boy George thought there was something about 28-year-old Eli Cripps. She auditioned to Real Love by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne.

TV presenter Vicki Gordon and hairdresser best friend Scott Storey auditioned as singing duo Scott & Vicki to Fascination by Alphabeat.

will.i.am turned his chair for them because he wanted to “add some spice” to his team.

Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and will.i.am
Ricky Wilson, Paloma Faith, Boy George and will.i.am (John Giles/PA)

At the end of week six, Paloma has 11 acts in total, while Ricky, will.i.am and Boy George have 10.


The Voice continues next week on BBC One.