Freddy a favourite in the X Factor fight for fame

A Maidstone schoolboy has become a favourite to win The X Factor after wowing judges at his audition.

Eighteen- year- old Freddy Parker, who went to Sutton Valence School, sailed through the first stage of the ITV1 competition with his rendition of the Amy Winehouse hit Love Is a Losing Game while playing his own accompaniment on the keyboard.

The student, who is originally from Ashford and works parttime in kennels, was described as “a contender” by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was visibly moved by the song.

Judge Sharon Osbourne described the performance as “very, very cool”, while Louis Walsh told Freddy he was born to do music.

Simon Cowell added: “There were no gimmicks. It was just you, and I kind of got a few little goosebumps.”

Before singing, the teenager – who brought along his mum to the audition – told judges: “I am a bit nervous but I am excited to get out there. It is scary but it could completely change my life.”

After the performance, which aired on Sunday, he tweeted: “Thank you so much for all the love and support. I’m in shock.”

Freddy is not the first singer from the County Town to have success in the singing competition.

In 2013, former Maidstone Grammar School pupil Josh Zaré made it through to the live shows with boy band Kingsland Road.

Tipped to be the next big thing by mentor Gary Barlow, the lads made it to the last nine acts in the ITV talent show before being voted out. The same year flutetoting singer-songwriter Andrea Magee, who also lived in Maidstone, made it through to the judges’ houses stage in the over-25s category, although she was not picked as a finalist by Sharon Osbourne.

Kingsland Road disbanded last year, while Miss Magee is currently touring America as part of folk duo Beat Root Revival.

Bookies William Hill are already offering odds of 14/1 for Freddy to win the talent show, which is now in its 14th season.