 She was advised by a lecturer at Chester University to "Go on the dole, love, and become a singer".She also built up a following at "Alexander's", a local jazz and blues club in Chester, where she performed with guitarist David Burton from the band "The Invisible Wires", and met songwriter Lucia Cordaro, going on to perform and record one of her songs (I Melt) Duffy returned to Wales in 2003 and was invited to appear on "Wawffactor," a Welsh television talent show.She was expected to win but came second to winner Lisa Pedrick.