Singer James Mishon has taken another step to stardom after signing up with a leading showbiz agent.

The teenage crooner has signed up to Jonathan Shalit's celebrity stable, which includes Brookside and Chicago star Claire Sweeney.

It is the latest step up the career ladder for the talented 18-year-old Brighton lad, who performs under the stage name James Alexander.

He is already developing a taste for the limelight after attending a star-studded party with Atomic Kitten, Blue and Lulu on Friday night.

Now James hopes to launch an assault on the pop charts after agreeing terms with Mr Shalit on Tuesday.

The first step for the new partnership will be to secure a record deal for the cabaret singer, who has already enjoyed success with an independently-released CD.

Last week, James filmed a video in London to accompany his version of Frank Sinatra's A Foggy Day.

James has now bid farewell to his former manager and the man who discovered him, Brighton-based theatre impresario Barry Mishon.

Barry, who is also James' grandfather, has been guiding the youngster's career since he heard the then 16-year-old singing.

Mr Mishon said: "I'm not an agent, manager or a talent scout but when I heard James three years ago I recognised the potential for something special. That is why I said I would see what I could do for him.

"It was nothing to do with our family relationship - I would do the same for anyone with that amount of talent.

"I didn't want his talent to go to waste, there are so many people who never get spotted.

"I approached Jonathan Shalit back then but he said he wanted to wait and see how James developed.

"He wanted him to grow up a little bit and become his own man. Now he has decided to take him on."

Under Mr Mishon's guidance, James sang with My Fair Lady star Joanna Riding, toured with Jane McDonald and even travelled to the USA, where he performed at a cabaret convention, the Firebird Cafe in New York and the Cine Grill in Hollywood.

He also released an album of easy listening Sinatra-style tracks.

Now it seems he is destined for bigger things.

James paid tribute to his former manager.

He said: "I had dreams of this happening but I never thought I would get this far. I will never forget what Barry has done for me."

The young star said he was keeping his feet "firmly on the ground" after signing up with Mr Shalit, who discovered Charlotte Church.

James said: "The next step is to get a single out and then an album, hopefully."

He said he intended to stick with his slick big band style.

"I've grown up with the sort of music I am singing. That is the type of sound I want to carry on with, although I love all types of music."