THE X Factor is in Swindon today with dozens of local hopefuls lining up to put their voices to the test.

It has been three years since Jahmene Douglas took the competition by storm and producers were hoping that their latest visit to the town would provide an opportunity for another star to emerge.

The auditions, which are being held in the Parade, kicked off at 10am and is continuing throughout the day until 6pm.

Simon Cowell and co did not make the trip but two regional X Factor casting producers were on hand to assess the talent.

Stephen Ridgard, one of the producers, said: “This is part of the regional auditions for the X Factor, we don’t go to the big cities but we come to the bigger towns instead.

“We’ve had a fantastic turnout so far, it’s a full audition day so it’s exactly like it would be at an arena audition.

“From here they could to being straight in front of the judges or sometimes we might want them to do another audition.

“We’re looking for all round entertainers – you might not necessarily be the best singer but perhaps you’ve got that great stage presence or a personality that can win people over.”

Those trying out today will hear within a month if they have made it through to the next stage, with the producers giving very little away so far.

One of those who can be hopeful of getting the call is 29-year-old John Sheehy, originally from Ireland but now living in Swindon and training as a dancer at the Liberatus School of Performing Arts.

John is no stranger to TV talent shows, he reached the semi-final of The Voice Ireland just last year.

He spoke to the Adver following his rendition of the classic Show Me Heaven: “I’m a rocker really but I sang that song because I’ve got a four octave vocal range and it lets me show what I can do," he said.

“I think it went well, if I’m a fit for them then that’s fantastic.”

Less experienced than John but just as excited about the prospect of reaching the next stage were friends Nathaniel Parker and Charlotte Simonis from Swindon.

Nathaniel, 23, who teaches ballet when he isn’t auditioning for music stardom, said: “I haven’t been singing for that long.

“I was quite nervous but I sang a Michael Bublé song that I know really well, I think it’s actually harder to sing in front of just two people than being on a stage.

“I think it went ok, you’ve got to be hopeful I guess otherwise there’s no point trying out.”

Charlotte, 22, normally works at Specsavers but is currently on maternity leave as she is 37 weeks pregnant.

Perhaps appropriately, she gave the producers her rendition of Billie Holiday’s God Bless the Child.

Charlotte said: “It’s pretty nerve-wracking but I think it went ok, we got their cards which I guess is a good sign.

“I could feel the baby shaking inside me while I was singing.”