As X Factor fever takes hold of the nation, Comet country has its own star - Billy, one quarter of a boy band aiming to be the next JLS.

Stevenage singer Billy Humphreys appeared in a clip on last Saturday night’s prime time talent show and is due to appear again this weekend when his group Brooklyn audition for Boot Camp.

The audition, which will be shown on either Saturday or Sunday night, will show the former Thomas Alleyne student with band mates, Jaymi, Jason and Lee as they try to impress judges Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos as well as thousands in the audience at the Cardiff leg of the auditions.

The 24-year-old, who grew up in Chancellors Road, said the show which was recorded back in April was “amazing”.

“There were 4,000 people in the audience. We went on stage and they went mental. The crowd got on their feet. It was one of our best experiences.

“We sang Forget You by Cee Lo Green and In My Head by Jason Derulo. It’s so surreal. You go on and the next minute you’re off. It’s like a flash.”

Billy, who sings for a living in bars and clubs, said he is living his childhood dream. “We only got together in February. We are all friends. Me and Jaymi were together in panto at The Gordon Craig Theatre when we were really young. We want to be huge. We want to be the next JLS.”

Mum, Lesley, said seeing her son on TV last week was “just brilliant”.

“He is living the dream. It’s what he’s always wanted,” she said.

Things are already moving for Brooklyn with recording sessions and a school tour coming up, part of which will be in Stevenage.

Billy said if schools in the town want them to come and play they should get in touch through their website www. brooklynofficial.com