[Red Moon]

X Factor dad speaks of Eoghan pride

THE father of Dungiven singing sensation Eoghan Quigg has spoken of his immense pride as his son prepares for this weekend's X Factor final.

Chrissy Quigg has full confidence his eldest son has what it takes to win the prime-time reality TV show on Saturday night.

Baby-faced teenager Eoghan will battle it out with fellow finalists Alexandra Burke and quartet JLS to take the X Factor 2008 crown and a lucrative record deal.

The winner of the ITV show can also expect to top the Christmas pop charts singing a cover version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Chrissy – who has followed the rapid rise of his son at close hand by being in the audience in London on a weekly basis – cannot speak highly enough of his first-born's achievements.

"We're so proud of him to have got through boot camp, we're proud of him for reaching the judge's houses but to make the live shows was probably beyond belief," he said.

"To be in the last three of the competition – we never thought it would go this far

"It's unbelievable he has got as far as the final and he probably has as good a chance of winning as anybody."

Mr Quigg admitted Eoghan is having a "hectic" week as he makes his final preparations for the live show.

All three finalists will duet with stars from the world of pop and it is predicted that the 16-year-old will share the stage with Irish quintet Boyzone.

He missed out on a duet with megastar Rihanna, landed by boyband JLS. Alexandra Burke will perform with Westlife.

In last year's final Leon Jackson stormed to victory after duetting with Kylie Minogue.

Chrissy was able to catch up with the young star in the making as he made a flying visit home to the north-west earlier this week to thank his avid support base.

"The atmosphere was unbelievable in Derry City on Monday," he said.

"They reckon as many as 18,000 people attended and that is phenomenal support for a young lad of 16 who hasn't even won the X Factor. The support was unreal."

While the Quigg family has not been a complete unit in recent months, Chrissy is assured that his son is being well looked after in England. The devoted father offered special praise for Eoghan's mentor and music mogul Simon Cowell.

"We don't have a worry about him being away as he is in very good hands and the X Factor team are professional in how they protect the kids from the limelight.

"Simon is very helpful and very supportive. If Eoghan has any problems at all he will sort it out. I think he knows what a fine talent he has got."

Chrissy will lead a Quigg invasion to London tomorrow night, with the family obtaining an additional 10 seats for the Co Londonderry contingent.

One notable absentee, however, will be Eoghan's newborn sister Chrissie Mia, who will remain with relatives back home.

The schoolboy will be held in high esteem no matter the result, his father confidently predicted.

"Win or lose – in my eyes Eoghan is already a winner. He has achieved at 16 what most people wouldn't achieve at 50.

"He has no fear, he is a natural performer.

He was born to be on the stage and I think he has already proved that.”

In a personal message to the Ulster public, Mr Quigg offered heartfelt appreciation for the support and well-wishes offered to his son.

“I would like to thank everyone who has got behind Eoghan and supported him – it has been unbelievable.

“It is just a pity the Republic of Ireland can’t vote as people have a massive interest in Eoghan and they can’t show their support.

“For those who have voted consistently over the past nine weeks, thank you so much – and I hope Eoghan can repay everyone back by performing in the live X Factor show in Belfast next year.”

Source: Belfast Newsletter