X Factor Judgement Day looms for Lancaster singer Paul Akister

The 25-year-old got through the ‘Six Seat Challenge’ on Saturday night’s tense episode.

ITV1 viewers will be able to see if Paul gets through the Judges Houses round next weekend when he sings for mentor and Spice Girl Melanie ‘Mel B’ Brown in Mexico.

TV bosses cranked up the tension on Saturday night by having Paul sing last for a place in the next round.

He belted out ‘These Arms of Mine’ by soul legend Otis Redding in front of an ethused crowd at Wembley Arena.

Mel B then gave Paul the final seat ahead of his close friend, Gateshead electrician Geoff Mull in emotional scenes.

Akister, who this week revealed how he spent £9,000 on new teeth after failing to reach the live shows in last year’s X Factor, has already filmed this weekend’s Judges Houses round after flying to a luxury holiday resort in Cancun.

Paul sang for Mel B and her fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton in soaring temperatures at the five star Occidental Grand Xcaret in Riviera Maya.

Bookmakers have the Lancaster man as a 6/1 shot to win the entire series.

His rivals in the boys category are Jake Quickenden, Andrea Faustini, Jordan Morris, Jack Walton and Danny Dearden.

Other main contenders for this year’s X Factor crown include Welsh ex-navy fitness instructor Jay James, an eight-piece boy band and 20-year-old fishmonger Lola Crawford.

We are backing Paul Akister all the way on his mission to win The X Factor. Follow Paul’s fortunes at www.thevisitor.co.uk, www.lancasterguardian.co.uk and in The Visitor and Lancaster Guardian.