‘X Factor’ hopeful Sam Bailey has revealed she's been on the receiving end of some saucy comments following her uber glam makeover ahead of this weekend's live shows.
Not that she’s complaining!
The 35-year-old prison officer says she's been the target of some complimentary chants from boy band finalists, Kingsland Road.
Sam Bailey
The singer told The Metro: “I had my hair tied back going to this glamorous shoot, then I had make-up on and hair extensions and I look all glam and Kingsland Road were all outside going, ‘MILF, MILF, MILF’, and I was like, ‘I like it but I don’t know what it is.’”
After discovering what it meant, the mother-of-two quickly called her husband to share the news.
It makes a refreshing change for the aspiring pop star who also revealed she has ‘no admirers’ in her job as a prison officer.
We’d put money on the fact that’s going to change now…
Celeb MILFs
Holly Willoughby(01 of26)
The new queen of daytime TV is also a strong contender queen of the milfs (UK division). MILF purists may consider her two young for such a title, but we beg to differ because we reckon Holly's always been a bit mumsy - hence her popularity on kids' TV. And now that she's a mum to two, it all makes sense in a strange way. (Pic: PA)
Liz Hurley(02 of26)
Liz was in danger of slipping off the celeb radar before the Shane Warne affair went public at the end of 2010, but we reckon she could be Holly's toughest competition for the UK MILF crown. She's smart, sexy, funny and she gives good Twitter... what more could you want in a woman? We're glad to see she doesn't wear "that dress" around her son Damian though. (Pic: PA)
Catherine Zeta-Jones(03 of26)
Zeta is another Brit MILF who strutting her stuff on the global stage. She might be 25 years younger than hubby Michael Douglas, but now that she's in her forties and a mother of two, she's in prime MILF territory herself. We think she's a pretty yummy mummy anyway. (Pic: PA)
Angelina Jolie(04 of26)
Perhaps the queen of the celeb MILFs - Angelina Jolie is one of those actresses who seems to mature and improve with age like a fine wine. Sure, she was hot back in the 1990s - but we'd take the more stable, elegant modern Ange over the flaky little minx she used to be any day. (Pic: PA)
Kate Beckinsale(05 of26)
She was initially famous for being someone's daughter, because her much-loved actor dad Richard Beckinsale died tragically young in 1979.But Kate Beckinsale had her own daughter Lily Mo Sheen (honest) in her 20s - and then broke America as a young mum. We'll forgive her Pearl Harbour because she's such a fine example of British womanhood. (Pic: PA)
Courtney Cox(06 of26)
Courtney used to play nice, sensible (and slightly boring) Monica in Friends - so we never expected that her next major role would be as the main character in a series about predatory MILFs.Well, that's basically the plot of Cougar Town, isn't it?And now that she's split up with barmy hubby David Arquette she's free to start making life imitate art - so long as she gets a babysitter for daughter Coco Riley. (Pic: PA)
Dannii Minogue(07 of26)
If we had to identify a turning point in Dannii Minogue's recent career, we think we'd say it was when she got pregnant with partner Kris Smith. Where she had occasionally seemed a little cold or brittle in the past, she suddenly seemed to come alive and cement her position as "hottest and most interesting female judge on the X Factor". Well, that's in our opinion anyway - and we don't mean that we think Simon or Louis are hotter either! (Pic: PA)
Demi Moore(08 of26)
OK, we've had a few decent MILFs so far - but now it's time to get serious - because Demi is probably the milfiest MILF in all of the milfiverse. She looks better now as she heads toward 50 than she did when she was appearing in sexy blockbusters in the 1990s - and she has three teenage kids to boot! Ashton Kutcher was a very lucky man...(Pic: PA)
Nelly Furtado(09 of26)
She's only in her early thirties, so perhaps a little young for MILF status, but the Portuguese-Canadian songstress actually makes our list because she's such an unexpected candidate. An under-milf if you will. She had her daughter Nevis (if she has a son, we hope she'll call him Ben) back in 2003 - and seemed to lose her baby weight overnight. You can really go off some people, eh? (Pic: PA)
Gwyneth Paltrow(10 of26)
A little while ago Gwynnie probably wouldn't have made this list. Not because she's not mumsy enough, but because all that yoga and macrobiotic food isn't really very sexy. But recently the mum-of-two has been sexing it up a bit with dresses like this and a smouldering role in the Iron Man films. We'll make a MILF of you yet Gwynnie! (Pic: PA)
Halle Berry(11 of26)
Now we're talking! If anyone can give Demi Moore a run for her money as queen of the MILFs then surely it's the eternally sexy Halle Berry? In 2008, at the age of 42, she was named the sexiest woman alive by Esquire magazine - shortly after giving birth to baby daughter Nahla. And for the first time in the history of silly magazine lists, nobody argued! (Pic: PA)
Kate Hudson(12 of26)
Ms Hudson is another impossibly skinny member of the surprising MILFs club.But not only does she have a son at school, but at the time of writing she had another child on the way. And she still manages to look like she's just wandered off the catwalk most of the time. Jammy cow! (Pic: PA)
Kate Moss(13 of26)
Whereas the liberal-minded Kate Moss seems entirely happy to be out in public with daughter Lila Grace wearing a see-through dress. It's easy to forget that the legendary supermodel is also a mum - but she's easing into proper MILF status these days now she's slowing down the catwalk work and has settled down with Jamie Hince. (Pic: PA)
Heidi Klum(14 of26)
Unlike Kate, Heidi embraced MILF status much earlier in life. She looks as terrific as she ever did - despite having had FOUR children. And her famously happy marriage to singer Seal makes her one of our favourite MILFs of all. (Pic: PA)
Laila Rouass(15 of26)
We've only just realised that actress Laila Rouass is actually (at the time of writing) nearly 40. The sultry star's mixed Moroccan and Indian heritage may go some way to explaining her amazingly youthful looks. Whatever, the former Footballers Wives star is in the premier league of celeb MILFs. (Pic: PA)
Liv Tyler(16 of26)
Liv Tyler is another celeb offspring (being the daughter of Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler) who's slowly morphed into a celeb MILF. She wasn't quite one when she first had son Milo in 2004, but over the last few years she's started to look a bit more womanly and mature. Perhaps it was playing a 2,900-year-old elf princess in Lord of the Rings that did it? (Pic: PA)
Milla Jovovich(17 of26)
It's hard to believe that the impossibly youthful-looking Milla is a mum, but she certainly is - to daughter Ever Gabo. And it's also hard to believe that she's 35-years-old. Just look at that face ferchristsake! But put the two together and the Ukrainian-born model-turned-actress makes a pretty compelling MILF. (Pic: PA)
Monica Belluci(18 of26)
Italian actress and model Monica Belluci has a pretty good claim to being top of the Euro-MILF tree, we reckon. Currently in her mid-40s, she was one of the highlights of the rubbish Matrix sequels - and has two daughters, Deva and Leonie. We don't know if it's genes or the healthy Mediterranean diet but Monica looks set to give Demi a run for her money as she heads toward 50. (Pic: PA)
Myleene Klass(19 of26)
Myleene Klass reinvented her career once with a bikini on I'm A Celeb, and has done it again recently after the birth of daughter Ava - becoming a bit of a professional media mum. That's why we've got no reservations in calling the former Hear'Say star a MILF, despite the fact that she's only in her early thirties. And she is still VERY hot, we have to admit. (Pic: PA)
Nigella Lawson(20 of26)
Uber-MILF Nigella could teach some of the young whippersnappers in this gallery a thing or two about growing old glamorously. She seems to have got even saucier since she passed 50 - a fact that has not gone unnoticed by Harry Hill with his brilliant TV Burp impression of her. But levity aside, Nigella's up there with the best in the world when it comes to heating things up in the kitchen. (Pic: PA)
Victoria Beckham(21 of26)
The queen of the WAGs also holds a very respectable position in the UK MILF league these days. Victoria Beckham might be heading toward her late 30s - but she still has the skinny frame of a teenager despite her ever-expanding brood. Alright, she's not everyone's cup of char, but she's got enough fans to make this list. (Pic: PA)
Rachel Weisz(22 of26)
She might be in her forties now, but posh totty and mum-of-one Rachel Weisz is looking hotter than ever to our eyes. And it's not just us either. We know Mr 007 himself Daniel Craig agrees with us because the pair of them recently wed. (Pic: PA)
Reese Witherspoon(23 of26)
Lovely Reese is another woman who's been a mum for a while, but has only recently embraced her MILFhood. She's only in her mid-thirties but has been enthusiastically discussing how sex gets better when you're older and know what you want. Grrrr! Cougar alert! (Pic: PA)
Salma Hayek(24 of26)
Mexican actress Salma Hayek is in her mid-40s and seems to remain effortlessly glamorous. She's a committed humanitarian activist and has had a Best Actress Oscar nomination - but it's probably her penchant for cleavage-revealing outfits that has won her the most (male) fans. And to be honest, we can fully see the appeal. (Pic: PA)
Uma Thurman(25 of26)
Statuesque actress Uma Thurman has had something of a renaissance in her late thirties, and as she goes into her forties she is poised to tussle for the top spot in the Hollywood MILF league. She even starred in a film called Motherhood - which unfortunately has the distinction of being the biggest bomb in British box office history - making just £88 on its opening weekend. They should have just filmed Uma flicking her hair and looking pretty instead. (Pic: PA)
Kate Winslet(26 of26)
Another of Britain's big contenders in the global MILF stakes, Kate Winslet seems happier and sexier now than she ever has before. Unlike certain sections of the media we don't care about her exercise routines or her relationship with the airbrush - we just want to see more of her because she's great. Look at this picture and tell us we're wrong. (Pic: PA)
X Factor final 12
Sam Bailey(01 of12)
AGE: 35 LOCATION: Leicestershire OCCUPATION: Prison Officer
Sam works as a prison officer and lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two young children Tommy and Brooke. When at work, Sam often finds herself singing when she is walking down the corridors. Previously, she has worked on cruise ships and has also performed at festivals. Having devoted the past few years to her family and her job, Sam feels that this is her time to pursue her dream and to do something for herself for once. Sam wowed the judges in her room audition with her rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen and lived up to her promise with a rousing arena and Bootcamp audition. (credit:ITV)
Sam works as a prison officer and lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two young children Tommy and Brooke. When at work, Sam often finds herself singing when she is walking down the corridors. Previously, she has worked on cruise ships and has also performed at festivals. Having devoted the past few years to her family and her job, Sam feels that this is her time to pursue her dream and to do something for herself for once. Sam wowed the judges in her room audition with her rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen and lived up to her promise with a rousing arena and Bootcamp audition. (credit:ITV)
Hannah Barrett(02 of12)
AGE: 17 LOCATION: South London OCCUPATION: Student, studying her A Levels
Music is something that has always been close to Hannah’s heart after she lost her father when she was only 9 years old: he was her musical inspiration and initially got her into music by introducing her to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauren Hill and Anita Baker. For Hannah this competition is all about the music and soul, rather than the fame. She started singing in her local church and this is where people urged her to pursue a singing career as they all noticed her shining talent. At the moment, Hannah is studying for her A Levels and has a part time sales assistant job in Greggs the bakery. Hannah wowed the judges with her emotional rendition of Emeli Sande’s ‘Read All about It’ in her room audition. She currently lives in temporary accommodation for young adults following a difficult relationship with her mother at home. Since doing The X Factor Hannah feels as though the competition has brought her and her mother close together again and she hopes to go far in the competition. (credit:ITV)
Music is something that has always been close to Hannah’s heart after she lost her father when she was only 9 years old: he was her musical inspiration and initially got her into music by introducing her to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauren Hill and Anita Baker. For Hannah this competition is all about the music and soul, rather than the fame. She started singing in her local church and this is where people urged her to pursue a singing career as they all noticed her shining talent. At the moment, Hannah is studying for her A Levels and has a part time sales assistant job in Greggs the bakery. Hannah wowed the judges with her emotional rendition of Emeli Sande’s ‘Read All about It’ in her room audition. She currently lives in temporary accommodation for young adults following a difficult relationship with her mother at home. Since doing The X Factor Hannah feels as though the competition has brought her and her mother close together again and she hopes to go far in the competition. (credit:ITV)
Kingsland Road(03 of12)
AGE: (left to right) Josh (20), Connor (19), Thompson (22), Matt (25), Jay (19) LOCATION: East London OCCUPATION: Connor (Bartender), Matt (Bartender), Jay (Waiter), Josh (Bartender), Thompson (Sales Assistant)
Despite the five boys having previously lived together in a cramped, shared house in East London where three of the boys shared one room and the other two shared another, the boys still feel as though they were ‘living the dream’. The boisterous, five best friends’ ultimate dream is to win The X Factor, take over America and then hopefully get their own bedrooms with bed-frames for their mattresses. They describe their music as ‘dirty feel good pop’ and the boys impressed in both their auditions, with Louis saying after their arena audition that it reminded him of when he saw Take That for the first time. In the lead up to Judges’ Houses, Kingsland found themselves rehearsing so much that they lost their jobs. The group cannot emphasise enough how this competition really is ‘all or nothing’ for them, especially as they have now lost their house and will be forced to go back to their respective homes and families if this doesn’t work out. (credit:ITV)
Despite the five boys having previously lived together in a cramped, shared house in East London where three of the boys shared one room and the other two shared another, the boys still feel as though they were ‘living the dream’. The boisterous, five best friends’ ultimate dream is to win The X Factor, take over America and then hopefully get their own bedrooms with bed-frames for their mattresses. They describe their music as ‘dirty feel good pop’ and the boys impressed in both their auditions, with Louis saying after their arena audition that it reminded him of when he saw Take That for the first time. In the lead up to Judges’ Houses, Kingsland found themselves rehearsing so much that they lost their jobs. The group cannot emphasise enough how this competition really is ‘all or nothing’ for them, especially as they have now lost their house and will be forced to go back to their respective homes and families if this doesn’t work out. (credit:ITV)
Abi Alton(04 of12)
AGE: 19 LOCATION: Guisborough OCCUPATION: Morrison’s sales assistant
Abi feels doesn’t feel as though there a lot of opportunities in terms of music where she lives in the small town of Guisborough, so she has been doing some gigs at local venues in preparation for her audition. She knows last year’s X Factor winner James Arthur as a result of them both living in the same area and performing together at local gigs and jam nights. Abi lives at home with both her mum and dad and says that her dad is her number one fan who takes her everywhere; he is her ‘best mate’. At the moment, she works as a sales assistant in the food store Morrison’s but finds it really ‘boring’. Abi writes her own songs and also enjoys playing the guitar and piano. She wowed the judges at the arena audience with a self-penned song about heartbreak. During her arena audition Abi broke down after she sang about a boy who had broken her heart. The young couple have since reunited but an emotional Abi has continued to deliver sensitive and expressive performances which have captured the judges and audiences a-like. (credit:ITV)
Abi feels doesn’t feel as though there a lot of opportunities in terms of music where she lives in the small town of Guisborough, so she has been doing some gigs at local venues in preparation for her audition. She knows last year’s X Factor winner James Arthur as a result of them both living in the same area and performing together at local gigs and jam nights. Abi lives at home with both her mum and dad and says that her dad is her number one fan who takes her everywhere; he is her ‘best mate’. At the moment, she works as a sales assistant in the food store Morrison’s but finds it really ‘boring’. Abi writes her own songs and also enjoys playing the guitar and piano. She wowed the judges at the arena audience with a self-penned song about heartbreak. During her arena audition Abi broke down after she sang about a boy who had broken her heart. The young couple have since reunited but an emotional Abi has continued to deliver sensitive and expressive performances which have captured the judges and audiences a-like. (credit:ITV)
Tamera Foster(05 of12)
AGE: 16 LOCATION: Gravesend, Kent OCCUPATION: Was due to start college in September to study Musical Theatre
After originally being part of singing duo Silver Rock, the judges decided to split the two girls up in the room auditions and put both Tamera and Jerrie Dila in the girls’ category as they felt the girls had no chemistry together. The duo only met a short time prior to their audition and had only rehearsed twice together before they auditioned for the show. During her arena audition Tamera struggled to remember all the lyrics to the song, but still managed to wow the judges with her vocal range and with the support of a roaring crowd, she made it through to Bootcamp. At Bootcamp, Tamera fought for her place at Nicole’s Judge’s House in Antigua where she impressed both Nicole and guest mentor Mary J.Blige with her powerful voice. Tamera is 16 years old and lives with her mum and two siblings in Gravesend. Her dream is to be an international pop star and tour the world. (credit:ITV)
After originally being part of singing duo Silver Rock, the judges decided to split the two girls up in the room auditions and put both Tamera and Jerrie Dila in the girls’ category as they felt the girls had no chemistry together. The duo only met a short time prior to their audition and had only rehearsed twice together before they auditioned for the show. During her arena audition Tamera struggled to remember all the lyrics to the song, but still managed to wow the judges with her vocal range and with the support of a roaring crowd, she made it through to Bootcamp. At Bootcamp, Tamera fought for her place at Nicole’s Judge’s House in Antigua where she impressed both Nicole and guest mentor Mary J.Blige with her powerful voice. Tamera is 16 years old and lives with her mum and two siblings in Gravesend. Her dream is to be an international pop star and tour the world. (credit:ITV)
Sam Callaghan(06 of12)
AGE: 19 LOCATION: Essex OCCUPATION: Barman
Essex charmer, Sam Callahan, works part time as a bar man in his local area, but his main focus has always been on music as that is where his passion lies. He attended Theatre School when he was younger and has also been part of various bands until deciding to go solo earlier this year. As he embarks on the live shows as a solo artist he knows that he has the backing of friends District 3 and Union J. Sam supported both X Factor bands on a number of gigs in Scotland and enjoyed a solo tour of schools up and down the country earlier this year. Not only is Sam a talented singer, but he also does acrobatics as a hobby in his spare time. He says that music is his life and his dream is to play gigs like Robbie Williams at Knebworth. (credit:ITV)
Essex charmer, Sam Callahan, works part time as a bar man in his local area, but his main focus has always been on music as that is where his passion lies. He attended Theatre School when he was younger and has also been part of various bands until deciding to go solo earlier this year. As he embarks on the live shows as a solo artist he knows that he has the backing of friends District 3 and Union J. Sam supported both X Factor bands on a number of gigs in Scotland and enjoyed a solo tour of schools up and down the country earlier this year. Not only is Sam a talented singer, but he also does acrobatics as a hobby in his spare time. He says that music is his life and his dream is to play gigs like Robbie Williams at Knebworth. (credit:ITV)
Lorna Simpson(07 of12)
AGE: 26 LOCATION: South Norwood, London OCCUPATION: University student
Lorna believes that she has star quality and aspires to be as big as Mariah Carey and Beyonce. She dreams to sell millions of records and wants to show the world what she’s made of. Lorna currently goes to university and is studying business finance. Previously, when Lorna sang she had an alter ego that goes by the name of Luscious, allowing her to feel more confident on stage when she performed; however this time she is just being herself. She lived in Jamaica for two years and in 2010, where she took part in the islands, ‘Tasty Talent’ competition where she walked away with a grand prize of £8000. (credit:ITV)
Lorna believes that she has star quality and aspires to be as big as Mariah Carey and Beyonce. She dreams to sell millions of records and wants to show the world what she’s made of. Lorna currently goes to university and is studying business finance. Previously, when Lorna sang she had an alter ego that goes by the name of Luscious, allowing her to feel more confident on stage when she performed; however this time she is just being herself. She lived in Jamaica for two years and in 2010, where she took part in the islands, ‘Tasty Talent’ competition where she walked away with a grand prize of £8000. (credit:ITV)
Luke Friend(08 of12)
AGE: 17 LOCATION: Devon OCCUPATION: Student
Music has always been an enormous part of Luke’s life. He has fluttered between part time jobs but has always made sure that he prioritises his gigging. He has a very distinctive look with his quirky style and dreadlocked hair which has remained unwashed for 9 months. To keep his look going strong Luke showers with a shower cap on and only washes his hair in the sea! His friends now nickname him Mogli from The Jungle Book and Nicole [Scherzinger] said that he is ‘a diamond in the rough’. Luke got a huge reaction at his arena audition, where Gary said ‘get used to it, this is your future.’ At judge’s houses, Luke sang Cannon Ball by Damian Rice which is an extremely emotional and meaningful song for him as he sang it to his grandpa before he passed away. His ultimate dream is to headline Glastonbury and play at Madison Square Gardens. (credit:ITV)
Music has always been an enormous part of Luke’s life. He has fluttered between part time jobs but has always made sure that he prioritises his gigging. He has a very distinctive look with his quirky style and dreadlocked hair which has remained unwashed for 9 months. To keep his look going strong Luke showers with a shower cap on and only washes his hair in the sea! His friends now nickname him Mogli from The Jungle Book and Nicole [Scherzinger] said that he is ‘a diamond in the rough’. Luke got a huge reaction at his arena audition, where Gary said ‘get used to it, this is your future.’ At judge’s houses, Luke sang Cannon Ball by Damian Rice which is an extremely emotional and meaningful song for him as he sang it to his grandpa before he passed away. His ultimate dream is to headline Glastonbury and play at Madison Square Gardens. (credit:ITV)
Miss Dynamix(09 of12)
AGE: (Left to right) - Jeanette (21), Rielle (16), SeSe (22), LOCATION: SeSe (London), Jeanette (Romford Essex, originally from South Africa), Rielle (Manchester) OCCUPATION: SeSe (Full time mum), Jeanette (Beauty consultant), Rielle (Student)
Newly formed urban girl band Miss Dynamix originally auditioned separately. SeSe was part of the group Dynamix with two other fellow band members, and Jeanette and Rielle auditioned separately in the girls’ category. The judges saw something special in each of them and thought that they were far too talented to let slip from the competition, so Gary decided to put them together at the end of Bootcamp. Despite only being together for 8 hours, the girls blew the judges away in their Bootcamp audition with their rendition of We Found Love by Rhianna and they stole a seat from Tenors of Rock in the last stage of the competition. In preparation for the Judges’ Houses the girls all moved into SeSe’s house, even sharing a bed, and they all agreed that the transition from solo artists to a band has been ‘really easy and fun’ and they ‘laughed so much together’. (credit:ITV)
Newly formed urban girl band Miss Dynamix originally auditioned separately. SeSe was part of the group Dynamix with two other fellow band members, and Jeanette and Rielle auditioned separately in the girls’ category. The judges saw something special in each of them and thought that they were far too talented to let slip from the competition, so Gary decided to put them together at the end of Bootcamp. Despite only being together for 8 hours, the girls blew the judges away in their Bootcamp audition with their rendition of We Found Love by Rhianna and they stole a seat from Tenors of Rock in the last stage of the competition. In preparation for the Judges’ Houses the girls all moved into SeSe’s house, even sharing a bed, and they all agreed that the transition from solo artists to a band has been ‘really easy and fun’ and they ‘laughed so much together’. (credit:ITV)
Nicholas McDonald(10 of12)
AGE: 16 LOCATION: Motherwell OCCUPATION: Student
Nicholas has been singing since he was three years old. He gigs in local venues where his roadie dad loyally follows him around and helps him to set up. Nicholas spends the money that he earns on new equipment. He is from a quiet area in Scotland where there isn’t much room for opportunity in the music industry. Nicholas has waited all his life to audition for The X Factor and wants to give back to his parents after their constant support of his singing. Louis told him after his first audition he would have given his performance 10 out of 10. Nicholas is really enjoying the audition process and for now all he can think about is the live shows and not wanting to go home. Like most other boys Nicholas enjoys playing football. (credit:ITV)
Nicholas has been singing since he was three years old. He gigs in local venues where his roadie dad loyally follows him around and helps him to set up. Nicholas spends the money that he earns on new equipment. He is from a quiet area in Scotland where there isn’t much room for opportunity in the music industry. Nicholas has waited all his life to audition for The X Factor and wants to give back to his parents after their constant support of his singing. Louis told him after his first audition he would have given his performance 10 out of 10. Nicholas is really enjoying the audition process and for now all he can think about is the live shows and not wanting to go home. Like most other boys Nicholas enjoys playing football. (credit:ITV)
Rough Copy(11 of12)
AGE: (left-right) Kaz (24), Sterling (25) and Joey (27) LOCATION: Croydon OCCUPATION: Sterling (unemployed), Joey (Sales Assistant in New Look), Kaz (Carpenter)
Sterling, Joey and Kaz have been in band Rough Copy for five years after Kaz put them together. They now live together in a three bedroom house in Croydon where they rehearse and create music all day long. Rough Copy made it through to Judges’ Houses last year but had to pull out when Kaz was unable to travel due to visa issues. They re-entered the competition this year in the hope that Kaz’s visa issues could be resolved. However when it looked like they wouldn’t be sorted in time for this year’s Judges’ Houses, the group decided to continue as a duo with Kaz leaving the competition. Kaz was visibly emotional and proud when Sterling and Joey secured their seat and a place in Gary’s final 6 at Bootcamp. After winning a place in the live shows on the basis of their strong performance at Judges’ Houses as a duo, Gary felt that the band would be better if they were reunited as a three piece for live shows. Kazeem was recently told that he was being given a second chance to perform with the boys as a trio in the live shows much to his and his band-mates’ delight. As well pursuing their own dream of musical stardom, the boys also teach the art of music to underprivileged youngsters. Having grown up in difficult areas themselves, the boys hope to show young people that a better life can be achieved if they are prepared to work hard and follow their dreams. (credit:ITV)
Sterling, Joey and Kaz have been in band Rough Copy for five years after Kaz put them together. They now live together in a three bedroom house in Croydon where they rehearse and create music all day long. Rough Copy made it through to Judges’ Houses last year but had to pull out when Kaz was unable to travel due to visa issues. They re-entered the competition this year in the hope that Kaz’s visa issues could be resolved. However when it looked like they wouldn’t be sorted in time for this year’s Judges’ Houses, the group decided to continue as a duo with Kaz leaving the competition. Kaz was visibly emotional and proud when Sterling and Joey secured their seat and a place in Gary’s final 6 at Bootcamp. After winning a place in the live shows on the basis of their strong performance at Judges’ Houses as a duo, Gary felt that the band would be better if they were reunited as a three piece for live shows. Kazeem was recently told that he was being given a second chance to perform with the boys as a trio in the live shows much to his and his band-mates’ delight. As well pursuing their own dream of musical stardom, the boys also teach the art of music to underprivileged youngsters. Having grown up in difficult areas themselves, the boys hope to show young people that a better life can be achieved if they are prepared to work hard and follow their dreams. (credit:ITV)
Shelley Smith(12 of12)
AGE: 34 LOCATION: Devon, Farringdon OCCUPATION: White van driver (delivers car parts)
Single mum Shelley lives in a small village in Devon with her seven year old daughter Madeline. She has been a van driver delivering car parts for 15 years and does various gigs at weddings and birthdays. She also does mini performances in her back garden for her daughter and all of her friends. Sadly, Shelley split from her fiancé last year, but since then has re-formed her image by losing weight, changing her hair style and ditching her glasses. Shelley made it to Bootcamp in both 2008 and 2012 and this year she wowed the judges and the audience in her arena audition getting a standing ovation from both. Shelley feels that the pressure is on for her to continue doing well, in order to change hers and her daughter’s life for the better. (credit:ITV)
Single mum Shelley lives in a small village in Devon with her seven year old daughter Madeline. She has been a van driver delivering car parts for 15 years and does various gigs at weddings and birthdays. She also does mini performances in her back garden for her daughter and all of her friends. Sadly, Shelley split from her fiancé last year, but since then has re-formed her image by losing weight, changing her hair style and ditching her glasses. Shelley made it to Bootcamp in both 2008 and 2012 and this year she wowed the judges and the audience in her arena audition getting a standing ovation from both. Shelley feels that the pressure is on for her to continue doing well, in order to change hers and her daughter’s life for the better. (credit:ITV)