NICOLE’S WELSH SERENADE
THE X Factor has drawn its biggest Saturday night audience of the series so far, ITV said yesterday.
Saturday night’s episode – which featured a former Only Boys Aloud singer from Pontypool – was watched by an average of 6.3 million viewers.
The series opener of the show drew six million for its first Saturday episode a few weeks ago, its lowest for a launch since its first year on screen in 2004.
And last weekend its biggest rival – Strictly Come Dancing – triumphed in the ratings as it launched to 8.8 million viewers, before taking a twoweek break.
Saturday’s X Factor viewers were treated to a Welsh singer who received four “yes” votes from judges after impressing the judges with his rendition of a Disney classic.
Russell Jones sang I Wanna Be Like You from The Jungle Book, with the 25-year-old even taking the opportunity to ask out judge Nicole Scherzinger mid-song.
He crooned: “Now you’re the queen of X Factor and you look so gorgeous, you do... I would like to take you on a date to the cabin, can I?”
Jones is no stranger to reality TV after reaching third place in Britain’s Got Talent performing with Only Boys Aloud in May 2012.
But he decided to go solo and audition for Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne – who loved it.
Scherzinger described the performance as “hands down” her favourite of the day.
She told him: “Oh my gosh, you’re my favourite treat, you’re like candy to me... Everything from your head to your toes, I love.”
Speaking to Dermot O’Leary, Jones said words could not describe his experience and that he was “so excited”.
He has previously revealed how he got into performing when he used to set up equipment for his dad’s concerts in care homes, unaware he had a hidden talent for singing himself.
When his father, a lawyer and parttime singer, died of cancer in 2009 aged 53, the youngster decided he would carry on with the concerts – which he says he loves to do because it “makes a difference”.
After that, he performed in local shows and visited old people’s homes to sing before being asked to join Only Boys Aloud.