X FACTOR hopeful Che Chesterman has vowed to inject personality into his performances after reaching the next round of the TV talent contest.

The 18-year-old, from Laindon, impressed judge Cheryl Fernandez- Versini, who described his rendition of A Song for You, by Ray Charles as “effortless”.

However, music mogul Simon Cowell did not hold back, saying Che, had “no personality’’.

Che quit his job as a shelf stacker at Tesco, in Mandeville Way, Langdon Hills, earlier this year to focus on music.

He admits he struggles with his nerves – but has promised to give the performance of his life as he fights for a place on the live shows .

The former pupil of Woodlands School, Basildon, who who appeared on stage at Westcliff’s Genting Club on Friday, said: “It's not a problem for me to have criticism. Sometimes when I’m singing my personality doesn’t come across, even though I’m a very bubbly person. When I’m in that moment I’m a very focused person.

“It's very nerve-wracking getting on stage, especially at the show’s bootcamp because it’s just the judges and there’s no crowd to get you going.’’ Che will go up against 15 other boys in the Six Chair Challenge, which hits our screen this weekend.

He added: “My phone hasn't stopped. I’ve had messages of support from friends, family, and even strangers from across the world.”

Also flying the flag for south Essex will be Lucy Duffield, 26, from Canvey, and Louisa Johnson, 17, from Chafford Hundred.

Lucy, who works at Boots, in the Royals shopping centre, Southend, performed a Gospel rendition of Moving On Up, by the M People – but the audition was not screened.

She said: “When I got off stage, the judges were just smiling and nodding.

They didn't give me any feedback, so I was really nervous because I had no idea what they were thinking. It was quite daunting.”

The former pupil of Castle View School, Canvey, first auditioned for X Factor nine years ago.

She was then part of pop duo War of Words, who once performed on Nick Grimshaw’s Radio 1 evening show.

However, the group split, having produced only two singles.

Lucy moved to Birmingham for a clean break, but returned to Essex a year ago looking for a second chance in the music industry.