BOURNEMOUTH University graduate Daniel Duke melted the hearts of the nation during his opening audition on The Voice last night.

The 24-year-old wowed the panel with his tender take on The Proclaimers’ iconic hit I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) during the BBC One primetime talent show.

Three of the four star judges, Will.i.Am, Tom Jones and Rita Ora, turned around after hearing the folk singer, who is originally from Northern Ireland, sing during his blind audition.

Following Daniel’s performance, Sir Tom said: “It was a unique thing that you did. I like that. I really enjoyed it.”

Pop princess Rita Ora added: “You’re the captivating thing that everyone wants to look for to make them feel good.”

After choosing to join Team Tom, Daniel tweeted: “Thanks Sir Tom! I'm so excited about working with you! #Legend”.

The multimedia journalism graduate, who performed in bars and clubs across Bournemouth as the frontman of Daniel and the Lion, auditioned for the show alongside his twin brother James.

But despite receiving encouraging comments from the star panel, James didn’t make it through to the next round. In a touching display of brotherly love, Daniel ran back on stage to give his twin an almighty hug.

Speaking to the Daily Echo before his audition, Daniel, who currently lives in Edinburgh, said his time in Bournemouth helped him to develop as an artist.

Describing the town as a "home from home", he said: “I spent four years in Bournemouth, playing gigs all over the local music scene, from busking in the Square, to playing packed out shows in iBar, supporting amazing bands like Tellison.

“The Bournemouth scene and the amazing people there helped me grow into the artist I am now and the opportunities I got in Bournemouth pushed me to follow my dream.”

Watch Daniel's audition here: