A Southend-based singer and guitarist is taking his shot at becoming a star after appearing on the X Factor.

Matt Linnen, 28, made his appearance in front of ITV's X Factor judges Louis Walsh, Sharon Osborne, Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell on Saturday night's show.

Before taking up his position on the coveted X, Matt, who works as a plasterer told the camera: "The job is not very exciting - it's basically slapping mud on walls.

"It's very mundane, boring, hot and sweaty - kind of what I'm like now. It's definitely not what I want to do at all."

On why he decided to come the show, Matt said: “I’ve been involved with music and worked really hard with various bands I’ve been in.

"I feel like now is the time to come on the show and show you guys what I got.”

With guitar in hand, Matt serenaded them with a stunning performance of Ray LaMontagne’s Trouble before nervously awaiting feedback.

While all the judges were impressed with his gravelly vocals, Simon raised concerns about his ability to stand out from similar acts while Sharon asked him if he seemed nervous.

But it was not enough to keep him from getting a yes from all four judges with words of advice that he will take with him to bootcamp.

And Matt was impressing with more than just his musical talent, as newest judge Nicole Scherzinger who called him blue eyes urged him to connect with his audience more.

The former Pussycat Doll said: "If you just open that face and those eye-balls more, you could make any girl just melt if you just really mean it."

Louis Walsh agreed and described Matt as "really talented" before saying: "He looked so good."

You can watch more clips from the ever-popular ITV show here.