VIDEO: X-Factor hopeful speaks (From Bucks Free Press)

High Wycombe X-Factor hopeful Daniel Pearce speaks

9:29am Thursday 24th September 2009 in Local Video News By Oliver Evans

HIGH WYCOMBE'S X Factor hopeful Daniel Pearce has told the Bucks Free Press of his fight to become a star.

Nearly 11m viewers tuned in at the weekend to see the audience go wild for his rendition of Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose”.

All four judges gave him the thumbs up – putting him through to the Boot Camp and one step closer to a record deal.

The 31-year-old is a former member of boy band One True Voice, which won the 2002 Popstars: The Rivals along with judge Cheryl Cole’s group Girls Aloud.

Yet while Cole has shot to stardom, One True Voice split after two singles.

He said: “Going on the X-Factor was a huge decision because it didn't go according to plan last time.

“I've been trying to make it as a solo artist but it just gets to a certain stage when the barrier of One True Voice always comes up.

“We were seen as a flop and I was basically tarnished with that brush – but I decided to be brave and throw myself into the lions den again.”

The 31-year-old lives in Totteridge with his wife Charlotte, 37, and sons Jude, three, and Gabriel, one.

Daniel quit One True Voice in 2003 and has been singing at corporate events, weddings and small venues since then.

He said: “When I won Popstars in 2002 I thought that was it and I was all set to be a star. But it all started going down hill quite quickly - I'm all about the music and it was all too generic.

“They promised that we'd be able to write our own songs but we weren't given any creative licence at all.”

Daniel is tipped to make the final and said Cheryl Cole's encouragement on the show has filled him with confidence.

The Girls Aloud star rose to her feet to applaud Daniel's song, telling him: “I knew you were amazing and I'm not shocked by that at all.”

Daniel said: “I got on well with Cheryl during Popstars and it was great to see her again.

"It's nice to know that someone who's had such huge success is championing me.”

The singer grew up in Ashford in Kent but moved to High Wycombe in 2004.

He said: “I really enjoy the vibe of Wycombe – it's obviously and up and coming place and my kids love it here.”