Matt Terry, North-East singer Sam Lavery, 5 After Midnight, Emily Middlemas, Saara Aalto, and Honey G are among the latest X Factor names heading for Newcastle

WITH an album to write and perform and a live tour to headline for shows that have attracted three million TV fans so far, current X Factor winner Matt Terry has every right to feel that his entire world has changed.

“My experience on this show, has been the best of my entire life. It’s something I have always wanted to do ever since I can remember but I never felt ready for it until now. I’m so glad I was brave enough to go ahead and audition,” he says.

Terry praised his mentor Nicole Scherzinger, who has now won the ITV singing contest two years running, and his vocal coach Iain. “Both taught me so much when it comes to music. I learnt how to feel and mean what I was singing about. Singing is fun and makes you feel incredible but I’ve learnt it’s so much more than that. I’ve have learnt how to tell a story through music. I really miss Nicole, she’s my big sis. We speak often and I can’t wait to be reunited with her.”

The X Factor champ has been spending time with family and friends after his win and can’t really believe that he is now sitting down to create an album as one of the show’s prizes.

“I’m definitely looking forward to being reunited with my X Factor family, we all grew very close over our journey together, I know we are in for a whole lot of fun,” he says.

And is first destination after Newcastle and the tour? “Studio studio studio,” Terry jokes.

The contestant expecting a big reception is Coxhoe’s Sam Lavery who felt she has grown as an individual artist. “The whole team you work with want to hear your opinions and want you to enjoy every second of the experience. Having Simon Cowell as a mentor was incredible. I am now working and using all the comments and advice he gave to me to keep building myself as an artist.

“Since the show has finished for me it’s being a whirlwind. I've done so many shows and performed all over the country, I performed at my hometown arena alongside John Legend, James Arthur, Craig David etc… I’ve done shows with Ronan Keating, and been a special guest on the Matt Goss tour, Fleur East. Some of these artists, while I was on the show, came and gave me advice.

“I’ve been practically living in the studio writing and recording original songs with some incredible writers and producers to prepare songs that have my exact sound and style for everyone to hear soon. I am so excited for the Newcastle date on the tour as it’s my home town arena and I know all my family and friends will be in the crowd, plus i can show the other contestants around Newcastle before the show.”

On Tyneside, Lavery is aiming to thank her North-East supporters and says: “I can't wait to see everyone who has supported me and hopefully I'll get to say hi to them especially in the meet and greets. When I come off the show I’m straight away back to performing at shows and festivals while also working with more writers and producers in the studio co-writing original songs.”

Runner-up Saara Alto says likes the fact that mentor Sharon Osbourne told her: "Don't be polite on stage. I was also told, ‘You have to always show everything you have inside of you, don't be only half of what you are, be what you truly are’. The whole of Finland watched the X Factor and everybody wanted to see me after the show which was amazing. I’ve now moved to London and I'm in the studio writing songs and also performing all over the country.”

Jordan of 5 After Midnight says of reaching the show’s final stages: “It was a crazy but amazing experience – it made me especially happy knowing that I was making my family proud.

Bandmate Kieran adds: “We were advised to be true to who you are. That was the best piece of advice given to me because so many people in the world will try to be something they're not.”

And as for what fans can expect, third member Nathan says: “Well, not giving too much away…but all the venues are arenas so we've got a lot of space to work with. We're gonna do something huge.”

Oddball rapper Honey G loves the fact that nothing is impossible.” I proved this by coming back as a wild card in the competition and then going through to the live shows and coming fifth in the competition. Since being on TV, I've been very busy touring the UK and Ireland doing loads of gigs. I've had a very encouraging reception. I've also released my own single, The Honey G show, which I've also been promoting. I've also been to a couple of premieres.”

Friday, March 10. MetroRadio Arena, Newcastle. Box Office: 0844-493-6666 eventim.co.uk