A musician who has worked with some of Britain’s leading pop acts came to Hatfield to pass on the secrets of creating hits.

Multi-instrumentalist Jez Ashurst, who programmed electronic music for two series of X-Factor, producing two number one hits, gave a practical demonstration and workshop to the University of Hertfordshire’s music production students.

He told them: “If I am scared of doing something, I will do it. That’s because I know it will challenge me and keep me sharp. It is important to channel that energy in a positive way. It is a good way to succeed.”

Jez has written and produced hits for Boyzone and former Spice Girl Mel C, as well as programming for Celine Dion and Earth Wind and Fire.

He added: “These days there is a lot more focus on artists to produce a single. No-one really listens to albums anymore.”