A teenager from Great Totham has emerged from the judges houses as an X Factor finalist.

Nineteen-year-old singer-songwriter Sam Callahan, who works at the OAKhouse bar in Maldon’s High Street, successfully battled it out against five other boys at mentor Louis Walsh’s home in St Tropez - becoming one of the final dozen in the ITV talent show.

Saturday’s show saw the former William de Ferrers pupil impress Louis and guest judges Nicole Appleton, Shane Filan and Sinita with his performance of “We are Young” by Fun.

Nicole Appleton, of All Saints fame, said: "I really do like him, he's definitely star quality”, but Sinitta disagreed.

After making Sam wait overnight for his decision, Louis told him: “I love your attitude and I love your style and I loved you from your first audition.

“You stood out to me like a little pop star.

“Your vocal isn’t amazing, I know you work really hard but it’s not as strong as I’d like it to be.”

He then teased Sam and said “It’s not good news - it’s great news”, which left Sam in tears.

See this week's MBS for the full story.