Little Maplestead born singing sensation Matt Cardle successfully made it through to the final of ITV's The X Factor at the weekend.
Despite suffering from cold and flu throughout the week, the former painter and decorator from Essex was voted through to the final after a stunning performance of 'You Got the Love', which received critical acclaim from the panel of judges, including Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.
Bookmakers, William Hill have slashed the odds on Matt to win the ITV singing contest outright, making him favourite to take the 2010 title, and many key figures within the music industry have showed their support for the only Essex boy in the competition and former singer with local band, Seven Summers.
Tickets released for a forthcoming show at Colchester Leisure World sold out in just a few minutes this week, with over 1,200 people queuing in the freezing cold to get their hands on the chance to see the singer before Christmas.
