When The X Factor set off on its whistle-stop tour of the country, in a bid to find the nation’s next singing superstar; thousands and thousands upon thousands of girls applied.
There were big ones, small ones, young ones, old ones. There were young lasses just starting out, there were those that’d clubbed together to form a group, and more than a few older ladies giving their dreams one last shot.
Now there is only one left, her name is Stacey Solomon, and she is fast becoming the nation’s new sweetheart… an accolade previously held by our very own Cheryl Cole.
We caught up with the Dagenham diva to find out what it’s like being the only girl left in (The X Factor) village.
“In one way it’s sad when you think that all my other girlies have gone, but at the same time it’s pretty cool because I get the pick all of these lovely dresses from the wardrobe department! Seriously though, it is a massive achievement and I’m proud to be the last girl left.”
Every Saturday night whether it’s Big Band or Queen week Stacey rises to the challenge and delivers – so how were her preparations for George Michael week?
“I’m not the biggest fan of George Michael and learning the song wasn’t easy because I’d never heard it before; but it is such a beautiful song that in the end I really enjoyed singing it. The comments that I got were really good, so all in all, I’m really pleased.”
As the only finalist to also be a parent, we wondered how Stacey has coped with the strain of being away from her family for so long.
“Although it’s been hard, it’s also been fine… if that makes sense! I miss my family a lot, especially my little boy – but at the same time I am doing the best thing I have done in my entire life – and I can’t think about anything other than enjoying this experience.”
With a smile constantly plastered to her face, no one could accuse Stacey of not enjoying herself… so is there anything about being on the show that she doesn’t like?
“Sundays! Oh my God! Sunday night’s are the scariest thing ever… especially when we’re on that stage waiting for Dermot to read our names out – it’s absolutely petrifying!
“It always takes me a few seconds to work out that my name has been called out, and then I’m like: YES, YES, YES! Up until then my stomach’s in knots, my chest is all tight and I can’t breathe properly, and then Dermot says: “Stacey”, and suddenly I feel amazing – all floaty and stuff without a care in the world!
“I can honestly say that I’m having the time of my life being involved in The X Factor, and I’m not ready for this journey to stop.”
The judges seem confident Stacey will make it to the grand final – do you agree? Leave your comments below…