THERE were tears and cheers as hopefuls found out their fate during the first stage of the X Factor auditions today.

Aspiring popstars braved the wind and rain to queue up in Warrington town centre for hours in a bid to become the UK’s next smash-hit singer, some arriving as early as 7am.

Entertainer Martine Higham was one of the first in the queue and is determined to make it in the music industry.

The 27-year-old, originally from Latchford but who has since moved to Newton-le-Willows, said: “You have to follows your dreams and that’s why I’m here.

“I’ve always wanted to be a singer and I’m not going to give up on that.”

The first hopeful to get through to the next stage was 14-year-old Annie Martin, who could not contain her excitement when she was given the all important ‘yes’ from two producers, who were judging the first round of auditions.

The Bridgewater High School pupil from Daresbury was literally jumping for joy as she ran into her mum’s arms.

She said: “I can’t believe it. I am so happy. I can’t stop jumping about.”

Mum of two Zoe Evans, aged 24, from Longford, and Amy-Sue Harris, also known as Acoustic Ash, aged 27 from Padgate, were two of the other success stories of the day after getting a ‘yes’ from the judges.

For Faye Fiso, the fiancé of a Wigan Warriors player, this process is all too familiar after getting through to the live shows in X Factor Australia with girlband Mahogany in 2010.

Now trying her hand as a solo artist Faye, who is engaged to forward Eddy Pettybourne, was all smiles when she was told she could go through to the next stage in the competition.

Faye, who has moved from Australia to Wigan while Eddy completes his two year contract with Wigan Warriors, said: “I’m so relieved. It was very exciting.”

Have you braved the auditions today? Let us know how you got on in the comments box below.