X Factor and BGT stars set for Clacton

THE only contestant who Simon Cowell admitted that he fancied is set to join a glittering line-up of TV talent stars in Clacton next month.

Sultry singer Ruth Lorenzo will be taking to the stage at The Venue on September 11-12 for a two-night celebration of the most popular acts from recent series of the X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent.

Spanish-born Ruth made it through to the finals of X-Factor, wowing not just the nation but also the show's most feared judge who made his shock "I fancy you!" confession live on air.

Also demonstrating their gifts for entertainment at The Venue will be other well-known names who made it through to the final hurdles of the two top-rating talent shows.

They include Eoghan Quigg, the 17-year-old Irish singer who was personally mentored by Simon in the X-Factor - and Shaun Smith, also 17, who was narrowly beaten by Diversity in the finals of Britain's Got Talent before returning to school to study for his A-levels.

Also under the Venue's spotlight will be the remarkable family singing duo of 2-Grand. Angel-faced 12-year-old Sallie Lax and her 76-year-old grandad John Neill were swept into the finals of Britain's Got Talent by millions of viewers' votes.

Other former finalists booked for The Venue, and who have gone on to carve out successful singing careers, include the two popular X-Factor stars Laura White and Austin Drage.

Laura was tipped as contest winner by both judge Danni Minogue and previous winner Leon Jackson before her surprise last-minute dismissal from the contest.

Heartthrob Austin also narrowly missed the main prize, despite performing a solo on the X Factor "Help for Heroes" song which became one of the biggest selling singles of recent times.

But it's not just singers who will be performing in front of what the organisers are expecting to be capacity audiences at Clacton in September.

Amongst other gifted acts will be Grand Master Fred, the 73-year-old Loughborough pensioner who amazed viewers on Britain's Got Talent with his incredible breakdancing routine.

The galaxy of talent at The Venue is the latest in a series of all-star gigs to be staged at Clacton's newest entertainment complex since it opened last year.

Other headline performers have included top all-girl group Sugababes, and hip-hop band N-Dubz.

According to Venue director Tony Clish, next month's talent weekend is creating a special buzz of excitement along the east coast and beyond:

"All the acts we've selected were seen at one point as potential show winners - sometimes right up until the very last night of the contests," he said.

"Was the right decision made, or should we be hailing these as the true champions? This is the chance for the people of Essex to deliver their own verdict!" added Tony.

Tickets can be ordered direct from the box office at The Venue on 0845 815 9709. More details at www.the-venue.info.