Danyl shows T-Fest the X-Factor (From Thurrock Gazette)

Danyl shows T-Fest the X-Factor

3:47pm Friday 8th June 2012 in News

ACCORDING to Talent Show mogul, Simon Cowell, the X-Factor star who stole the T-Fest show on Sunday gave “the best first audition he had ever heard” on the 2009 show.

Perhaps his most memorable song from the 2009 X-Factor show was a rendition of the Prince hit Purple Rain. On Sunday, he changed the lyric, fittingly to “Essex Rain” as the heavens opened on him and his crowd.

That didn’t stop him belting out hit after hit from his time on the X-Factor as well as new songs such as “I Need a Dollar” by Aloe Blacc. His performance was energetic and varied, showing the hallmarks of a natural performer. The crowd were even treated to an accapella version of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”.

Girls, some huddled under umbrellas, screamed as he jumped off stage to serenade spectators in the front row.

Speaking to the Gazette afterwards, the drenched 29-year-old told said: “I thought it was great. It might be absolutely torrential rain but everyone was still out there.

“Some people had umbrellas in their hands but weren’t using them, they just wanted to enjoy the day and I thought I may as well get as wet as you guys, so it was cool.

“It means so much to play shows like this and when it is raining and people still want to have a good time. The crowd gave a great reception to The Risk and to Lloyd and for me to go out after that I was a bit nervous but I enjoyed it.

“I love Essex. I go down to Lakeside with Stacey.

“I haven’t seen her for a while because she’s just had her little baby, but we still do shows together so it’s great to catch up.”

Unsurprisingly, the X-Factor changed Danyls life. Before becoming a contestant, he was a drama teacher.

He finished fourth on the 2009 show, behind local star Stacey Soloman, who currently lives in Grays, Essex-boy Olly Murs and eventual winner, Joe McElderry.

He said that the X-Factor class of 2009 were amongst the most talented, but has doubts as to how much longer the show will carry on. He said: “From what I hear it’s going to be over soon. The next series will probably be the last.

“They’ve had trouble getting people who want to be panellists and these shows aren’t doing so great any more. Simon wants to finish on a high so with Nicole Scherzinger stepping in, hopefully this year will be a good show.”