| Red Moon |
11-12-2007 10:54 AM |
X Factor Leon Mobbed By Kids At His Old School
Quote:
X Factor Leon Mobbed By Kids At His Old School X FACTOR'S Leon Jackson came home to a hero's welcome after becoming the first Scot to make the final of the reality contest.
Hundreds of fans lined the street outside his mum's house and a red carpet and pipe band greeted the emotional teen as he pulled up in a black limousine.
Leon admitted the reception was a far cry from when he used to walk quietly to his home in Whitburn, West Lothian, when he worked as a shop assistant.
He said: "Now I'm getting mobbed. It is overwhelming."
The singing sensation arrived home for a flying visit to repay his Scots supprters for backing him all the way to the final of the ITV show.
First stop was to see mumWendy at the family home where hundreds of fans were waiting for a glimpse of their idol.
As the limo pulled up, the West Lothian Schools Pipe Band burst into atune to welcome Leon home.
And his long-awaited reunion with Wendy was delayed as the teenager stopped to sign autographs and T-shirts for the screaming supporters.
He said: "It is brilliant. My teachers are even here. I can't believe it. I am so thankful."
Leon admitted Saturday's semi-final performance was not his best but promised to give his all in the final.
He said: "I'm going to come out all guns blazing. Everyone in Scotland has been behind me and I want to do it for them.
"On Saturday, Dannii picked a song I never knew, which put extra pressure on me. I was having problems with the lyrics all week but I think I redeemed myself with the next song."
More than 30 primary seven pupils from Whitdale Primary School joined the cheering crowd.
Head teacher Susan Ralston, 53, said so many children wanted to come they had to pick names out of a hat.
She said: "There's been a lot of excitement. They have all brought things to be signed. We have all been following the show and Leon keenly.
"We are very much behind him. I really hope he does it on Saturday."
Later, Leon headed back to his former school, Whitburn Academy, for a suprise visit and performance.
He sang the Michael Buble hit Home to a packed gym hall of 500 screaming pupils.
Leon told them: "I have never sung on this stage because I was too shy so this will be a very special moment for me."
Afterwards, he added: "I am very proud - thank you very much."
He later took a tour of the school, where he met some of his old teachers.
Deputy head Margaret Fallon, 55, said Leon, who was deputy head boy at the school, had made his own success.
She said: "He was very popular, a cheeky chappy, but he never overstepped the mark.
"He never had a day off or punishment exercise. Staff and pupils adored him."
His former English teacher Wendy Gilchrist, 37, said: "He took two attempts to pass his Higher English because he was so nervous his hand used to tremble.
"He failed the first time but the second time passed with flying colours. That's why what he is doing now is so great."
During Saturday's semi-final, Canadian star Buble praised the Scot's talent, saying he believed he would sell "millions of records". And Buble invited Leon onstage with him when heperformed at Wembley last week.
Yesterday, Scotland's biggest X Factor successes to date, the McDonald Brothers, added their backing to Leon as a star of the future.
Speaking exclusively to the Record, Craig said: "Leon has a very good chance of winning. I definitely think he'll be first or second.
"It absolutely helps having the Scottish vote which Leon has got to himself this year.
"We both hope he wins it but Rhydian will be hard to beat, although we believe the Scottish vote for the show is more than 10 times the Welsh vote.
"We haven't voted this year yet but we're saving it for the final. We'll vote for Leon."
Brian said: "I thought at the start that Leon was a bit of an underdog like we were, but as the show has progressed he's got stronger and I would say he's one of the favourites to win.
"Wherever Leon finishes, he has to start working as soon as he comes out of the show. It's definitely harder once you come out.
"Nothing is controlled and it's up to you - the harder you work, the more successful you'll be."
Last night, Leon took to a stage at Livingston's McArthur Glen where more than 3000 fans were expected to turn up.
Police have drafted in extra officers to man the event.
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Source: Daily Record |
