Nathan Sykes and Ariana Grande
Nathan Sykes "sounded like Barry White" after his throat surgery.
The Wanted singer had a career-saving operation on his vocal cords earlier this year and his family were horrified when he was able to speak again and his voice sounded similar to the late star, who was known for his deep, gravelly tones.
Nathan told the Metro newspaper: "The first thing I said was 'hello' to my mum and I sounded like Barry White. My mum looked at me with a look of shock, confusion and terror.
"My mum phoned the doctor ... He explained it was because my vocal cords had relaxed so much it made my voice deeper."
Nathan - who is joined in The Wanted by Max George, Tom Parker, Jay McGuinness and Siva Kaneswaran - is dating singer-and-actress Ariana Grande and though some fans have reacted badly to his relationship, he insists he doesn't care.
He said: "Me and Ariana are at the stage where if people don't like it they should go and focus on their own romances.
"We've had nice comments but as far as the one per cent who don't have anything nice to say - don't say it."
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