Foyle's War actor Julian Ovenden has landed a major record deal after dazzling classical bosses with his voice.

The star, known for playing Battle of Britain pilot Andrew Foyle in the series, has often sung on stage and drew acclaim for performances at the BBC Proms in 2010.

Tenor Julian, 36, who is the son of the Queen's chaplain Canon John Ovenden, has now been signed by Decca Records.

He has appeared in stage hits such as Annie Get Your Gun, and performed Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Proms.

The record company said his debut album, out in April, will "take the listener back to the golden era of 1960s London".

Julian said he hoped it would be "a CD that one might put into a Ford Focus, and suddenly the car is transformed into an Aston Martin".

Mark Wilkinson, managing director of Decca Records, said: "Julian's timeless, velvety voice, effortless presentation and great British music pedigree place him at the forefront of a new generation of classic British male singing stars."

Julian will launch his record deal with a showcase in London on Tuesday.