[Red Moon]

X Factor Ray backs JLS

X FACTOR star Aston Merrygold received a major boost from a man who really knows how to the take the hit TV talent show by storm.
Former finalist Ray Quinn is backing the 20-year-old former city schoolboy and his act, JLS, for stardom ahead of Saturday (6 December)night's semi-final showdown.

It is high praise when you consider that Ray, who is also 20, came agonisingly close to winning the show two years ago, only losing out to Leona Lewis.

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Taking time out from rehearsing this year's pantomime at the Broadway Theatre, where he takes the lead role as Aladdin, Ray spoke to The ET about what it is like to be on the show at such a late stage.

"It's a rough road, but they are young lads just like I was back then," he said.

"For me, it was great, because you're so close, and all you want to do is get to that final and prove yourself.

"But they're more than capable, and I'm sure they're just going to enjoy it. They are all there together and they can help each other out, which makes it a little easier.

"I was looking forward to the last week, it's different to the every other week, it's like you've reached your goal and it doesn't matter what happens."

This week, Aston has been suffering the ill-effects of a sore throat after losing his voice on Sunday following a mammoth two-song performance the night before.

But Ray, who also signed up for The ET's Vote for JLS campaign, is confident that he can put it behind him.

He added: "My voice was really tired towards the end, but the adrenaline kept me going and you've got to keep soldiering on and fight."

Having received such strong support from his home city of Liverpool, Ray realises the importance of the local backing, and called on the people of Peterborough to get behind their singing star.

He said: "If you're from a city you need the support from everybody. If you're from there or away from there, you need all the support you can get, you're crying out for it to get in the final."

And support is something that should not be in short supply tomorrow night for JLS with the runaway success of The ET's Vote for JLS poster campaign.

Scores of our Vote for JLS posters have been going up around the city, with a variety of shops and businesses already firmly on board.

Source: Peterborough Today