A STOCKTON Heath singing sensation who fell just short of the X Factor live shows in 2011 sympathises with the current prospects in the competition.

Max Vickers, of Coopers Place, made it to the judges’ house stage of the ITV spectacle but was not chosen to progress by Gary Barlow.

The 22-year-old believes much of the pressure on contestants can be prevented by the show itself and says the public should be more understanding.

“I haven’t been watching the show religiously but when I do, it makes me nervous for the competitors,” said the former Lymm High and Bridgewater High School pupil.

“Obviously I didn’t get to the live shows but the public needs to understand that the contestants don’t get a choice on many of the songs given out – it is pushed upon them by X Factor.

“With a bad song comes bad press much of the time and so I do feel for them.”

Despite being distraught at not making the live shows at the time, looking back, Max believes Mr Barlow’s decision was a blessing in disguise.

He added: “It is great to reach the live shows but if you get there then you have a tag that sticks with you – it is a bit dwindling and hard to get rid of.

“I am pleased that I managed to get as far as I did. I got the experience and confidence without being labelled as a complete X Factor artist.

“But the be all and end all is that labels won’t take anyone seriously unless they have their own style but it is hard to keep your own style on the show so it is catch-22.”

Max is currently working on an EP and will be working with SBTV again next month.

“I just want to get the productions on my tracks absolutely perfected before sending them off but it is a really exciting time for me,” he said.