X Factor finalist Jaymi Hensley is through to the next week of the show despite a disappointing reaction from the judges on Saturday.
The Stopsley singer and his group Union J were criticised for their song choice of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, and mentor Louis Walsh admitted it might have been the wrong choice for the ‘heroes’ theme.
Fortunately, the band’s already-extensive fan base helped them get enough votes to escape the bottom two, and they secured themselves another chance to show what they can do.
The group wrote on their Twitter page: “Hey everyone want to say a massive thanks to all of you from your amazing support and helping us got through to the next round woop woop.”
Jaymi’s mum Jackie Hensley went to watch the show with Jaymi’s dad, brother and friend, and said it was an amazing atmosphere.
She said: “It’s great to watch the show from that side and see what goes on. We got to see Jaymi for an hour or so afterwards which was lovely because we haven’t seen him at all and have barely spoken.
“We were a little bit upset with the judges’ comments - the boys’ faces just fell. Anyone who says anything about your kids, you just want to defend them. They were positive when they came out after, but no one wants to go home in the first week.”
Union J will be back on TV this weekend, and Jackie said the song they have been working on is amazing.
She has been working hard to promote the band and let everyone know Jaymi is from Luton.
She said: “We have been going mental trying to get their name everywhere. I must say I’m disappointed with the lack of support from Luton Borough Council - they flat out refused to let us put any posters up or support Jaymi at all. Putteridge High School [Jaymi’s old school] have been fantastic though.
“It’s very exciting, I am going to watch again this weekend - you can’t keep me away, as long as I can get tickets I will be going every week, it’s all very exciting.”
Follow Union J on Twitter @UnionJWorld and catch them on the X Factor on ITV on Saturday.
Meanwhile, over on BBC One, former Luton Sixth Form College and Ashcroft High School student Colin Salmon was shaking his stuff on Strictly Come Dancing.
The actor and his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff, who last year reached the final with Jason Donovan, showed off their moves with the cha-cha-cha.
It was the first time they had performed live on television since being paired up on the opening show three weeks ago.
Talking about his career in the lead-up to their performance, Colin he said he did not think he had done badly for “a boy from Luton”.
As he took to the floor in a leopard-print shirt and sparkly vest, the Bond and Resident Evil actor seemed not to suffer from the nerves experienced by his fellow contestants.
And while he put hardly a foot wrong, he still met with a disdainful look from judge Craig Revel Horwood, who expressed his dislike for the pair’s routine.
The audience took a different view, however, and gave them a standing ovation.