A SOMERSET singer is set to perform in front of a panel of X Factor stars after reaching the national final of a competition.

Marcus Sangiovanni will perform live at The Belfry Hotel later this month after securing a place in the final of Mecca Bingo’s Mecca Star competition to find the nation’s new singing superstar.

The 23-year-old will sing for a judging panel that includes some of The X Factor’s biggest stars, such as Ben Haenow, Misha B and 5 After Midnight, as well as soap star Claire King and Daily Star columnist Susan Hill.

Marcus, a restaurant supervisor, said: “It was an amazing feeling getting through to the national finals of the competition but now the pressure is on.

“Singing is my passion, so to win and have the chance to sing along with some of my idols would be a dream come true.

“If I’m lucky enough, I’d also love to put the prize money towards a couple of days in a recording studio, so I can look to record and release some of my own music.”

Marcus, from Yeovil, was picked after a series of auditions in London, where he performed This Is The Moment from the musical Jekyll and Hyde in front of a panel of celebrity judges including reality TV star Charlotte Dawson and pop star Gareth Gates.

The celebrity panel judging the finals will rank each of the six final contestants on their singing talent, how entertaining their performances are and also their star potential.

The winning contestant will get the ultimate star treatment, winning the chance to perform alongside their X Factor idols, as well as a fantastic prize sum of £2,500 in cash.

Caroline Webb, from Mecca Bingo, said: “We’re extremely excited that Marcus has made it through to the national finals.

"Who knew there was so much hidden talent out there?

“Marcus has really set the bar, so expectations are high for his final performance later this month.

“The panel of celebrity judges are certainly going to have a difficult job when it comes to choosing Mecca’s singing superstar.”

Votes for Mecca’s singing superstar are also being accepted online at www.meccabingo.com/voting-page, and you can watch the finalists in action at https://www.meccabingo.com/mecca-star.

The final takes place on Saturday, January 20.