SINGER Craig Colton today revealed how he has given up his biscuit factory job to pursue his X Factor dream.
The 22-year-old quit Jacob’s factory in Aintree so he could try to be the first Scouser to win the talent show.
Craig, who was tipped as one of this year’s favourites, made it to the Bootcamp round after winning over the judges and the Liverpool audience.
The Kirkby hopeful said: “I was working full time and I had to leave because the hours didn’t fit in with the show.
“I’ve always wanted to be on stage. My mum and dad had been saying for a long time I should audition.
“I auditioned in 2005 when I was 16 but I didn’t get past the first round. I wasn’t ready. I always said I wouldn’t do it again but this time I felt ready.”
Craig, who now works part time at Iceland, revealed he was overwhelmed by the reaction he’s had since his audition aired.
He said: “Scousers keep coming second. Ray [Quinn] and Rebecca Ferguson were runners-up. Maybe it could be third time lucky.
“I didn’t know what the reaction was going to be when I auditioned. So when people from my hometown gave me a standing ovation and I had amazing comments from the judges it was overwhelming.
“I was in shock. Even when I came off stage and spoke to Dermot [O’Leary] I didn’t grasp what had just happened. It was only a few days after and I was sat with friends and I thought ‘I’m in this year’s competition’.”
The former Brookfield High School pupil bought his parents Annmarie and John audition tickets but didn’t tell them he was going on the show.
Then Craig, who is studying at the London College of Music, brought the house down with his version of Adele’s Hiding My Heart.
The delighted contestant said: “Liverpool is such a supportive city. I couldn’t think of a better city to audition in and I’m so proud to be from Liverpool. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
“It’s been manic since then.
“I went out round town on the Saturday night after the show and I was spotted in every place I went.”
