Lesmahagow man reaches boot camp stage of X Factor

Aug 26 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A LANARKSHIRE man has made it through to the next stage of hit TV talent show, The X Factor.

Stephen Hunter wowed the judges at the Glasgow auditions recently with his rendition of 70s classic ‘Disco Inferno’, by The Trammps.

The 41-year-old’s performance has already won him a host of fans after it was televised last Saturday night.

Lesmahagow man Stephen – described by the show as a ‘househusband’ – was the first act to appear on the new series of the show.

Judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Geri Halliwell put Stephen through to the boot camp stage of the competition.

He lives with his partner Harry in a self-built home in Lesmahagow.

This week, Stephen told the Advertiser about his experience on the show and performing in front of a huge crowd.

He said: “It was strange but, being a spiritualist, I was very calm before going out on stage, even if I did have a couple of periods where I was very nervous.

“As I was nearing the arena, I heard 3,500 people going crazy and I wondered if I was going to cope.

“I didn’t know that I would be the very first act that would appear in the series.

“It was all very surreal, like I was looking at it through someone else’s eyes.

“But I knew this was a great opportunity, and I thought I can’t mess this up.

“I thought to myself, this could be a job, a very exciting job, and tried to look at Simon Cowell and the other judges as just human beings, and not gods. I didn’t want to be over-awed by it all.”

The X Factor has given Stephen new enthusiasm for music and singing.

Throughout his teens and 20s, he performed with a number of bands, even managing to showcase his talents to record labels.

However, a recording deal was always out of reach for the young Stephen.

He told the Advertiser this week that he had all but given up on his dream of music until The X Factor.

He said: “I honestly thought that if anything could have happened for me in the music business, it would have been when I was young.

“Now I’m older, heavier, and I don’t have as much self-confidence.

“I was honestly happy doing karaoke, and having the appreciation of a pub full of people. That was enough for me now.

“But my sister was going in to audition for this year’s X Factor. She and my partner Harry urged me to go along and try out.”

He continued: “Getting through to the boot camp stage of X Factor has given me a real confidence boost, and a lot more self-belief.

“It just proves that you are never too old or young to fulfil your dream. Sure enough, that dream may not be how you originally envisioned it, but I’m very grateful.

“If I don’t make it to the next stage, I will be happy with how I have done, and for the opportunity.

“The support of my friends and family, and all the local people, is very touching.”