College course for X-Factor hopefuls

The 17-week course, said to be the first of its kind in the country, is being run for pop star hopefuls at Bishop Auckland College in County Durham.

It will finish before the auditions for the ITV show start with tuition in singing and performing and coaching to improve people’s confidence.

The college’s head of Art, Music and Performing Arts, Mike Jinks, said: “I wanted to run a course which prepared people for X Factor auditions and similar competitions across the country. Many applicants have talent but need to work on key things such as their singing technique and confidence. People auditioning also need to know that the ones who succeed on X Factor don’t just walk in there blind... Most applicants have been doing the rounds for years working really hard – it’s very rare that you get a Susan Boyle character.”

The course costs £95.