Singing live to millions, meeting Hugh Grant and being asked for autographs - life has certainly changed for Pop Idol's Chris Hide since he left Lancing six weeks ago.

In his first trip home since he was voted into the top ten finalists, the 18-year-old told of his newfound fame.

Fresh from impressing the judges with his rendition of The Beatles' classic The Long And Winding Road on Saturday, Chris spent yesterdaymorning at his former school and went to see family, friends and neighbours.

Speaking at his home in Lancing Close, Chris said: "It is impossible to describe what the past six weeks have been like.

"To say we've been busy is an understatement. We've been practising a lot but luckily it's something we all enjoy.

"We also spend a lot of time signing bags and T-shirts. The feeling before you go on stage is also impossible to put into words. It is a mixture of excitement and nerves.

"You sit in the waiting room watching it on the TV and you think, 'Oh no, that's my friends out there, they're here for me and there's millions of people watching'.

"Then you're up on stage actually doing it but it is all over so quickly. Then you're back watching it on telly. It doesn't seem real.

Talking about the other finalists he said: "We've all become very close. No one else knows what you're going through.

"It's really hard when people are voted off. You have no idea who is going to go."

Chris was dubbed "The Vicar" in his initial audition by judge Neil Fox, a comment on his clothes sense, hair cut and glasses.

But after experimenting with contact lenses, and getting an eye infection, he is back to wearing spectacles.

Yesterday he was sporting a trendy rectangular pair and rumour has it he may have different ones this Saturday.

By making it to the last five contestants battling to win the ITV show, Chris has proved he does not care what people say about his appearance, only what they think of his singing.

He said: "Last week was a great week. Everyone was looking forward to it, which helps. We all put a lot of work into practising and we really enjoyed the songs.

"My worst week was when we had to do disco songs."

One of his best moments was going to the premiere of the film Love Actually.

He said: "When we got out of the limo we didn't know if anyone would know who we were but everyone was screaming. It was incredible.

"I shook hands with Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. Meeting Elton John was also fantastic and I loved going to Alton Towers with children from the Make A Wish foundation."

When asked what he thought of being called the show's dark horse by one of the judges, he said: "I think everyone is a dark horse.

"It is really hard to know who will win. I think now it is all down to the support."

At Boundstone Community College, Lancing, Chris was given a hero's welcome when he returned for a reunion with sixth-form classmates and staff.

A film crew followed him round the school, which he left in the summer.

Pupils cheered and shouted from windows before he turned to give them a wave. He also signed autographs.

Headteacher Richard Evea said: "He is a very good singer.

"What is particularly good for the students is to see somebody from our neighbourhood, a boy next door, who has got a talent and has worked very hard at it and practised singing to get it up to a high standard."

Later Chris was welcomed by a cheering crowd of friends and neighbours and big hugs from his parents, Penny and Brian Hide, as he walked up to his house.

With only 24 hours' notice, neighbours in Lancing Close had got together to make extra banners and posters and his friends had blown up balloons.

Chris looked a little overwhelmed at the reception, which he had not been expecting.

He said: "You should all be at work! I don't know what to say. I'm really touched."

Mum Penny said: "It's lovely to have him back. He has been away about six weeks. It is the longest he has been away, which has been quite hard. We're so proud of him."

Dad Brian wore a Spot the Dog puppet on his left hand which belonged to Chris as a little boy. Over the weeks he has worn it to watch Chris in London and it has become a mascot.

He said: "It was Chris' as a child. He couldn't go anywhere without it."

Among the friends and well-wishers was Amy Radbourne, 16, who has been up to see him sing live three times.

She said: "I saw him get into the final ten and twice more since then. He's such a great guy."

Boundstone pupils Dan Cackill, Rob Fauvel and Tania Pagden, all 16, were in the school choir and band with Chris, who plays the saxophone.

Dan said: "He is still exactly the same guy. He hasn't changed, still quirky Chris. The judges have said he is a bit peculiar but what's wrong with that?

"He is an amazing performer. He often just randomly bursts into song."

Rob, who went on the choir tour to Ireland with Chris in July, said: "We will all be watching next week. Some of us are going to a party and we've arranged for the DJ to stop and put on the TV so we can all watch Chris."

Sam Norris, 16, said: "It is weird because we are used to seeing him in assembly but this time everyone was running round, going crazy. It was manic."

Mandie Upfield, 37, who has lived in the close for 13 years, was the organising force behind the banners.

The after-school play worker said: "I'd heard Chris sing at the Pavilion Theatre. He has a fantastic voice. When I heard him on Pop Idol I thought, 'We've got to get behind him.'

"I put notes round to the other houses and nagged everyone. We spent several evenings in a hall round the corner, making the banners."

Her husband, Paul, said: "The close always gets together when there's something going on, like the Queen's jubilee. Everyone pitches in and enjoys it."

Chris was due to return to London today.

For the last six weeks he has been staying in a luxurious house in a secret location with the other contestants.