RISING young stars proved to have the X-factor after taking to the stage in a talent show extravaganza.
Acts from Gurney Pease Academy, Darlington, showcased their musical, singing and dancing skills before a panel of judges in a spectacular end of year performing arts competition.
The annual talent show, held in front of an audience of parents, carers, friends and family, saw a host of talent on display, including comedy routines, song and dance displays and a musical performance on the ocarina.
Year 4 teacher Amy Heritage, who organised the event alongside Year 1 teacher Vicki McIntyre, said: “Everyone looks forward to X-factor event each year and once again the standard of talent has been extremely high.
“Over 20 acts took part so it was a very difficult job for our judges to decide upon just the one winner.”
Compere for the evening was Lewis Tomlinson, 11, with Year 6 students Jamie Parry, Filip Krystyniak and Alexander Gordon, sitting on the judging panel rating each of the acts on talent, quality of performance and effort.
Filip, 11, who won the competition in 2015 with a song and dance routine to Omi’s Cheerleader, said: “The acts have been absolutely phenomenal this year especially the singers and the dancers.
“I was looking for an act with a lot of movement, with big actions and someone who danced with the beat – I wanted to be entertained.
“Because I’ve been on the stage before and won, I wanted to be a good judge and give honest feedback – I think I’m a little bit like Simon Cowell but also a bit like David Walliams.”
The overall winners were named as The Dance Club Cubs and they were presented with the Gurney Pease X-Factor Cup by deputy headteacher Simon Heritage.
“This has been one of our best competitions to date and the results were very close,” said Mr Heritage.
“It was so inspiring to see such a wide range of talent on show, from all age groups, and we are extremely proud of every act.”