CONFIDENT soul singer Che Chesterman believes he has what it takes to win this year's X Factor - after his latest audition won him a standing ovation from all four judges.

The 19 year-old, from Laindon, is third favourite to take the crown in the ITV contest, with bookies William Hill offering odds of 9/2.

Judges’ houses, where hopefuls perform at their mentor’s home, is the final hurdle he has to overcome to make it to the live shows.

Che, a former shelf stacker at Tesco, in Langdon Hills, knows he has to pull something special out of the bag to top his rendition of James Brown classic This is a Man's World.

He said: "To get a standing ovation was unbelievable. I had the advantage of being last, but it meant I had to watch everyone else's performance.

"I had no choice but to go out there and do a good job. If I was nervous something could have gone wrong.

"I think my main aim with judges’ houses is to do something a bit different. It's getting to a stage in the competition where I've got no choice but to do more. It's all becoming a lot more real.”

Che's impressive performance in the six-chair challenge meant fellow contestant Ollie Marland was ousted from the competition.

Che, a former pupil at Woodlands School, Basildon, admitted it was the toughest part of the contest so far, but believes mentor Nick Grimshaw has picked six talented solo artists to take through to the next stage.

He added: "It was hard taking a seat off Olly. Throughout the day we were all having a laugh together and getting on really well. I haven't had chance to speak to Olly since.

"I think anyone in the boys category could win this competition, and it's so hard to tell us apart. It's a really difficult category, Nick has got a tough job on his hands."

Louisa Johnson, 17, from South Ockendon, is currently bookies favourite to win this year's X Factor.