Ella Henderson: X Factor is nerve-wracking but such an incredible feeling

THIS weekend, millions of people will be glued to their television screens to watch X Factor – and locals will be showing their support for contestants Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons.

And the Grimsby Telegraph has exclusively caught up with 16-year-old star Ella, who is tipped to win the UK's biggest music show.

As reported, the teenager, from Tetney, and Micky, who is in the group District3, and originally from Cleethorpes, have both made it through to the second week at live shows of the TV talent show.

Ella has told us how she is enjoying "this amazing and rapid experience".

"Before my performance last Saturday, I was so nervous," she said.

"Two minutes before walking on stage, I gathered myself and took myself into my zone to give the best performance I could.

"It was nerve-wracking but, at the same time, such an incredible feeling."

Ella explained that she had an "adrenaline rush" following the judges' comments.

"The comments were amazing and I definitely feel that I need to maintain, if not improve, my level of performance each week," she said.

Several gossip magazines and even the ITV2 spin-off show Xtra Factor have talked about rumours of a romance between Ella and fellow contestant George Shelley, from the band Union J.

"George and I have a lot in common and we feel comfortable around each another – I'd say he and Lucy are my closest friends in the competition," said Ella.

"I'm preparing myself for the next show by making sure my song is ready and up to scratch.

"Basically, any time I have to myself, I try to use it wisely, so if I feel tired I will have a nap but if I'm feeling unsure with something about my performance, I will try and spend time in my room and work on it.

"As much as this is a competition, I don't really see it as that. I feel like the contestants get along really well and we are all sad to see an act leave each week."

Ella explained how she stays focused during the run-up to the live shows, between rehearsals and photo shoots.

She said: "My way of staying focused is to make sure I am doing everything in my power to give the best performance I could give on Saturday.

"However, I make sure I don't take everything too seriously and allow myself to have fun and just enjoy this amazing and rapid experience."

Ella's father and her "rock", Sean, watched Ella at the live shows.

He said: "I thought she was amazing and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

"We are all really pleased for her and the judges' comments were great."

Cleethorpes-born Micky, who is part of the boy band formerly known as GMD3, now has a loyal following of fans.

His father Steve Parsons said: "I was really pleased with Micky's performance on the live shows – he handled his nerves really well, because 20 minutes before the start, the producers told them to open the show. They were previously planned to go on last!

"They got some great comments from the judges, which is fantastic to hear and hopefully they will get through to the next round."

Mum Carol hopes that the boys will shine this weekend, with the theme being love songs.

"This weekend I think the boys will do really well because they will hopefully get the chance to dance a bit more – Micky is a really good dancer," she said.

"They had quite a few nerve issues before they went on to the live shows, but they managed to handle it.

"In my eyes, Micky is still a baby and he has got a good music career ahead of him.

"I think he is finding the show a little bit stressful because there is a lot to learn all the time, such as songs, dance routines and to be always looking at the correct camera – it's a lot to take on board for anyone."

X Factor is on ITV1, at 8.20pm tonight, and the results show starts at 8pm tomorrow. Keep up-to-date at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/xfactor

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