A BOLTON singer is hoping to prove she has the X Factor after getting a resounding 'yes' from each of the TV talent show's judges.

Emilia Ward got the nod from Simon Cowell, Rita Ora, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Nick Grimshaw after her rendition of Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby saw her glide through to the show's Boot Camp stage.

The 19-year-old, from Harwood, was told she "looks like a pop star" after performing the track, along with Bolton dancers Ainsley Battel, aged 23, and Rio Samuels, aged 22.

The former Thornleigh pupil, whose mum runs the Sarah Ward Theatre Dance Studio in Halliwell, says she jumped at the chance to appear on the show after being invited to auditions at Event City in Manchester by producers.

Miss Ward said: "I was supposed to audition earlier but Simon's mum passed away so it all got postponed. Then I was called up and had just a week to prepare so it was really intense. I don't normally get nervous but when I got on stage and saw Simon, he's got such a presence that I was shaking a bit.

"I decided to ask Ainsley and Rio to perform with me because the standard of the girls' category is normally really high, so I wanted to stand out. It's one thing to be able to sing but another to sing and to dance.

"I was really surprised by the judges' comments. They were so constructive — it was really good to hear exactly what they thought. I decided to take Nick Grimshaw's comments on board because even though the other three know about the industry they kind of live in a celebrity bubble — where as Grimmy connects with artists each day and knows about the next big thing.

As well as her audition, Miss Ward joined the The Xtra Factor presenters Rochelle Hulmes and Melvin Odoom for a more in-depth chat — and an impromptu dance.

Miss Ward said: "It was so much fun. Rochelle and Melvin were hilarious and I enjoyed every second.

"It was a crazy experience but it was the best thing I have ever done. I posted the video from the show onto Facebook and within a couple of days had 5,000 views.

"I always said I wouldn't go on the show, but when the producers got in touch with me after seeing my YouTube channel, I couldn't turn the opportunity down — and I'm so glad I didn't."

The X Factor is on ITV1 every Saturday.