Our very own Michael Marouli looks set to be a television star after having successfully competed in the audition round for X-factor in his home town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Michael, one of the unassuming leading lights of Sparkles Show Bar in Playa del Ingles Gran Canaria, started by telling his all-time idol cheryl cole just how very proud Newcastle was of her and all she has achieved. Predictably, Simon Cowell rolled his eyes.

Michael has been one of the hardest working members of the Sparkles Showbar team since it opened five years ago, daily putting in long hours of rehearsal to hone his performance skills allowing him to stand confidently and apparently at ease in front of the four judges at the audition, which they remarked on.

Simon Cowell gave a no, though positively suggested that Marouli is just the sort of act Louis Walsh was seeking, who responded with a yes, as did Michael's hero Cheryl followed by newcomer to the panel Mel B.

Super congratulations and well done Michael, along with Tyneside all of Gran Canaria are routing for you.