HE gave her goosebumps with his thrilling live audition – and this weekend Jahmene Douglas will look to win over X Factor judge Nicole Sherzinger a second time.

The shy vocalist from Swindon goes into the judges’ houses round as one of the bookies’ favourites to win the ITV1 show, second only to teenager Ella Henderson.

The 21-year-old, who just a few months ago was performing at a working men’s club in Gorse Hill , also meets this week’s special guests, Cheryl Cole and Sharon Osbourne.

A clip from the episode showed him in full voice at Sherzinger’s lavish home, apparently free from the nerves which almost dashed his chances at boot camp.

The 12 acts going through to the live rounds will be revealed at the end of Sunday night’s show – with the re-introduction of a wildcard contestant ditched by the judges.

Jahmene, who works at Asda Walmart in North Swindon told his Facebook followers: “A stone’s throw away from watching the judges’ houses episode this weekend! Scary stuff!”

He also said he was “thankful and grateful” to have made it so far.

The 21-year-old has won the firm support of his home town, with New College paying tribute to his abilities yesterday.

Principal Graham Taylor said: “Jahmene was a student at New College Swindon between 2008 and 2010. Staff who taught Jahmene tell me that he was a very pleasant and polite student, who was also modest. He was also very industrious, working hard during his time here.

“I had the pleasure of hearing him sing live during the New College Has Talent competition that we ran back in 2010.

“There was a great audience response to his performance and he was one of the eventual winners.

“One of his tutors also recalls seeing him sing in the restaurant one lunchtime, with students stopping to watch and admire him.

“The whole college is delighted that Jahmene has progressed so far in the X Factor and we wish him all the best for the rest of the competition.”

And Jahmene’s following is growing elsewhere in the town.

Helen Brown, 24, a hair stylist from Stratton , said: “I think he’s very nervous – I want to give him a cuddle.

“I feel sorry for him and I want to give him a big squeeze.

“He’s amazing though, and all our clients are talking about him.”

Fellow Stratton stylist Jess Faulkner, 20, added: “He’s brilliant – I think he’s going to do really well. He just needs more confidence.”