A YOUNG singer has taken a giant step towards stardom as he enters the final stages of this year’s X-Factor.

Earlier this week Duane Lamonte, 24, of Hazeleigh Gardens in Woodford Green, travelled to Marrakesh in Morocco to be mentored by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, ahead of the show this Saturday.

Duane remained tight-lipped about what has yet to hit the TV screens, including rumours of a special guest mentor, but said he was still on a high from auditioning in front of the cameras and a studio full of people.

He said: “It’s been amazing really. I just loved performing in front of a 3,500 audience – it was an amazing experience.”

Duane first got a taste of performing at an early age. He said: “I started singing in church with my dad’s side of the family.”

“I remember one day my best friend Natalie saying ‘sing to me down the phone’. So I did, and she said ‘you’re an amazing singer’.

“At secondary school it wasn’t really the in-thing, kids were more into football and stuff.”

Despite this, the young hopeful had the courage to pursue his dreams.

He said: “Ever since then I’ve always had the support of my family and friends.”

Duane made progress in last year’s competition, but left at the end of the boot camp stage, which sparked a row between Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, who thought he should stay.

He added: “Last year was so upsetting for me and I felt I had let down so many people. I used that to push myself to go further than I did. I used it for my drive.”

Duane’s proud mum Leona O’Garro, said she was enjoying every minute of watching her son perform on the show from their home.

She said: “I’m very excited – it’s just wonderful to see my son just doing what loves.

“We’ve got a great network of friends and family.”