X Factor's Ella Henderson 'such a good role model'

YOUNG Ella Henderson fans have described her as a great role model.

The talented Tetney teen, who will take to the live X Factor stage for the first time tonight, has the backing of her former primary school.

Pupils from St Martin's Preparatory School, in Grimsby, got into the party spirit celebrating Ella's success on the show by creating posters and banners.

Sue Millson, Ella's former English tutor, said: "She was known as Gabriella here and was a lovely little girl.

"Ella was always very clever and I am not surprised she has been writing her own songs because she was talented at writing.

"She was very friendly and had a big smile on her face all the time."

Sue said the school discovered her talent during an assembly.

"We were all amazed and gob-smacked at how well she sang and I think she performed a song from the Titanic film," she added.

"Her former class teacher, Mr Smith, enjoyed her singing that much that he had it played at his funeral."

Head teacher Stephen Thompson said the pupils are as "high as kites" because of Ella's success.

"There is a buzzing atmosphere here and everyone is very excited about watching Ella sing live over the weekend," he said.

"A couple of weeks ago we realised she was a former pupil and we had a big assembly to announce it.

"She looks very different now, and is looking so much more grown up."

---

Send your messages of support for X Factor stars Ella Henderson and Micky Parsons

Download a ‘Vote for Ella and Micky’ poster (PDF format)

X Factor star Ella Henderson shining under the media spotlight

X Factor's Ella Henderson has the Look of a real star

X Factor star Ella Henderson speaks of her pride at being a Grimsby girl

---

Mr Thompson, who used to teach Ella maths, said: "She was a sweet little girl when I taught her and we are very proud that she is linked to this school.

"We believe that Ella can make it all the way if everyone gets voting for her."

One super-fan is pupil Charlotte Morton, 9, who believes Ella is a good role model for people of her age.

"I remember her from school when I was little and she was a really nice person," Charlotte said.

"I watch her on TV all the time and we are going to have a party at my house to celebrate – we are all going to vote for her.

"She is a real role model because she is down-to-earth and isn't a fussy celebrity.

"My mum thinks she's a mini Adele."

Oliver Sullivan, 10, believes she is going to win the competition.

He said: "I have watched her perform several times on the show and I'm proud that she's from our school.

"Ella had some great judges' houses comments and I think she is a favourite to win.

"I helped to create the banner to support Ella and I think the posters are all staying up until she wins!"

Olivia Smith, 10, remembers Ella being there for her when she was upset at school.

"Ella is one of my sister's friends and all of my family are friends with hers," she explained.

"My sister especially loves watching Ella on TV because she is really good friends with her.

"It's quite embarrassing when she performs because my dad cries!"

Catch Ella, and Cleethorpes-born GMD3 member Micky Parsons in X Factor tonight on ITV1 at 8pm and results show at the same time tomorrow.