AN ASPIRING singer has made it into the Greek X Factor...after getting the boot from the English version.

Bradley White Dale, 33, told how attended the same Southend school and used to write songs with James Bourne, 32, of Busted fame. He has now made it through to the Greek version of the show after leaving his Southend home two years ago.

In 2012, the soul singer made it as far as the boot camp stage of the English version of the show, but didn’t give up hope and decided to audition for the Greek version, where he was living.

Mr White Dale said: “It's quite surreal, but I'm already getting recognised in the street and getting messages from fans. They're all really encouraging and supportive so it's really lovely.

The up and comer attended Thorpe Hall School with the busted singer and Kara Tointon, 32, who played Dawn Swann in EastEnders.

He said: “James Bourne and I used to write songs together and sing in a garage when we were 15. Myself, him and Kara always used to hang out and sing together after school, we all said we wanted music or acting to be our career. Those two got their break a while ago, but I never dreamt my big opportunity would come in Greece.”

Talking about the show, Mr White Dale, said: “It’s different to the English version, there is no judges’ houses element of the show. Instead it’s the four Chair Challenge, it is the nerve wrecking part of the show.”

Mr White Dale makes up one half of a duo “Stereo Soul”, and their Greek audition has already been viewed more than 100,000 times on YouTube.

He added: “The level of competition is good this year and there are some great artists in the show but we are quite unique because we are the only male duo to ever be on the show and we're both great soul singers.”

The talented singer has translated his audition video into four other languages so his fans can follow his journey.

Duncan Tinkler, 33, who lives in Leigh, who started school on the same day as Mr Dale White, said: “We all knew he was going to become a popstar. When we were at school he produced his own CD and gave it out, even back then he was really talented so I am really happy for him."