One of the newest names to reach television fame from the district was disappointed yesterday after failing to reach the next round of a singing show.

Ongar’s Moni Tivony, 32, was sent home from BBC’s The Voice on Saturday evening when his mentor decided that he would not take him through to the live shows.

Pop star and producer Will.i.am shocked the audience, as well as himself, when he decided that the 32-year-old would not be given a place in his final team.

He said: “He is the best male vocalist in this competition.

“My head, coming in here, was made up. I wanted Moni Tivony to go through.

“Moni did not do what he did in rehearsal.”