MOTHER and son duo Thea and Evan Clark are competing in the CBBC Programme 'Got What It Takes?'

The talent show is hosted by former X-Factor contestant Lauren Platt who is from Billericay.

It sees eight young contestants and their mums competing to get the most points during the series.

The teenagers gain music industry experience and have a 'sing off' each week which is judged by the mums. The mums also take part in a host of crazy challenges.

Evan, 14, a student at Belfairs Academy in Leigh, from Shoeburyness is enjoying every minute of being in the competition, including being interview by Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw!

Evan said: "A real 'pinch me' moment was when I was sat in the Radio One Live Lounge with Grimmy, where Justin Beiber, Adele, and Ed Sheeran have all sat before me. He ran my Nanny Derry over the phone who is obsessed with him. She said 'is that you Grimmy?' It was so funny and she loved it.

"The industry has been what I thought it would be and more. This series they have taken it up and gear and we got to meet so many celebrities! It was daunting at first but I have found that the same people are involved and they are all really friendly and supportive. Lauren Platt is lovely too and really down to earth!"

It airs every Tuesday night from 4.55pm and this is the second series of the TV show.

Fans can support Evan in the later stages of the competition when if it comes down to a vote on who will be crowned winner.

Evan's school mates have all supported him during the competition: "All my friends have been really supportive, No one really know what I was talking about when I said I was filming a show but then when they saw it they were impressed and one maths lesson we were all allowed to watch it. I haven't had one bad comment," he said.

The coveted prize is a chance to perform at the BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, something which would be a dream come true for Evan.

He said: "When I go to see a show at the O2 I sit there and I think 'I really want to do that' but the thought of it is really surreal. If I won the competition and performed at Wireless I don't know what I would do! Hopefully sing!"

Mum Thea has also been thrown into the mix with the competition.

"It's exciting for the kids and us mums make plonkers of ourselves!" laughed Thea. "I have been dressed as a punk rocker with a tutu on a hamster wheel and had to do an assort course! You just have to get into it!"

The families have all been living together in a musical academy in Hertfordshire and have all grown close.

"It is hard judging the kids singing because we all get on so well and know each other. I just try and be as fair as I can and judge each kid on their singing on the day," said Thea.

"I thought I was a competitive person before the show but actually the cameras filming me I have been less competitive!"

Thea has seen her son progress during the show, which was filmed over last summer.

She said: "I am very proud of Evan, he has worked extremely hard. He has been singing since he was four and always putting on little 'concerts' for his family.”

Evan is set to release the single Black Feathers and he is embarking on releasing a clothing line called Nave.

So what makes Evan unique compared to other singers?

"I've got a raspiness to my voice people have said ever since I was little," he said.

Thea adds: "I think he is a real performer, he doesn't just stand there and sing he puts on a show. He doesn't go for the same old songs either he mostly sings girls songs and changes it up a bit."

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/got-what-it-takes for more details.