Disappointed: Terry Easdon

AN X FACTOR hopeful has told how he was denied his shot at fame when he was turned away from auditions for the show - despite having an invitation.

Terry Easdon completed an online application to take part in the ITV talent show and was sent an invitation for auditions at Old Trafford football ground last Saturday.

But when he arrived with his wife and two children, he was turned away.

Mr Easdon, a 37-year-old barman, of Fernhill Avenue, Deane, said: "I was upset more than anything else.

Reader Poll Would you have put Terry through? Yes 23.1% No 76.9%

"My son was distraught because he had told all his friends at school that his dad was going to be on the X Factor. People were being turned away from the queue in tears."

Mr Easdon, who works at the King's Head pub in Deane, said his audition slip advised contestants to "get there early" as gates opened at 8:30am, but did claim that everyone would be seen.

He was planning to sing the Otis Redding number, Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay, and arrived at Old Trafford at 11:30am, queueing along with 20,000 other hopefuls.

But he was eventually turned away. No one from X Factor was available for comment.

A Ramsbottom girl, who made it on to X Factor last year, was luckier than Mr Easdon and is hoping to get another chance to perform in front of the judges.

Emma Chawnor, aged 18, made it through last weekend's auditions, despite being criticised by judge Simon Cowell for her dress sense and lack of talent when she last appeared on the show.

She was invited back to sing in front of producers on Tuesday and will find out if she has got through to the next stage in two weeks.

Do you have what it takes to be a star

TERRY Easdon may not have got a chance to sing for the X Factor judges, but he still performed in front of the cameras at The Bolton News.

We gave the crooning dad the chance to show judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh what they were missing.

If you think you could do better, simply call 09011510572 and follow the instructions.

Calls cost 50p from BT landlines. Calls from mobiles and other networks may vary. Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.

The best caller will be invited to our offices to sing their chosen song, which will then be uploaded to our website weekly.

12:38pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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