RIGHT, love it or loathe it, you have got to get involved this weekend!

I don’t care if you think it’s a load of old twaddle, and you can’t stand that Simon Cowell, or you just hate TV, these excuses simply aren’t good enough.

The fact is there is a real star in the making right here in Thurrock, and you need to do your bit in supporting her.

For those of you who don’t know what I’m on about, and I think you are in the minority, the "her" I speak of is the incredibly talented Louisa Johnson, who has made it through to the X Factor final taking place this weekend. 

Excitement reached fever pitch when the teenager arrived to perform at her old school in Grays this week. Teachers were crying with pride, children were inspired. How can that not be a good thing?

And her performance was out of the top drawer again, as viewers of the hit show have come to expect of the 17-year-old girl from Chafford Hundred.  

So, whether you’re an X Factor fanatic, or a Simon Cowell hater, tune in and prepare to be blown away by some genuine, homegrown talent. And vote for her!