IS this the next Olly Murs? Perhaps not, but Stevie Ritchie gave it his best shot.

Stevie, 33, from Colchester, impressed X Factor judges, despite forgetting most of the lyrics to Olly’s hit, Dance With Me Tonight.

The former Stanway School pupil, who works at Start Rescue’s call centre, in North Station Road, Colchester, got through to the next round of the hit ITV show thanks to his charismatic performance.

Simon Cowell said: “You’re like the guy at the office who goes to the office party and then Olly Murs comes on and off you go. You have kind eyes.” Former Spice Girl Mel B said: “You are very likeable.”

Stevie, a trained actor, has had a number of stage roles and performed at last year’s Colchester Oyster Feast.

He has previously auditioned for Pop Idol and does an Elvis tribute show.

After his X factor performance, he said: “I know I mucked it up. I wish I could have sung it a bit better. I thought I might as well enjoy it because you only get one opportunity.”

For more, see Tuesday's Gazette