A teacher has told how he was “absolutely staggered” when he heard Olly Murs winning over the judges on ITV’s X Factor.

The Witham singer has made it through to the final 12 of the TV talent show and he will sing live to the nation this weekend.

Olly, 25, of Carraways, Witham, has the backing of his former pe teacher Keith Ferguson, as well as families living in his street who have posters in their windows showing support.

Mr Ferguson, still teaches at Notley High School, Braintree, where Olly was a pupil, although now he takes ICT classes.

He said Olly was a star centre forward in the school football team and he would score a lot of goals.

“I was absolutely staggered when I saw him on the X Factor,” he said.

“I didn’t have a clue he could sing or dance but everyone at school has been following Olly and is right behind him.”

Mr Ferguson said Olly could be a dark horse in the competition, while bookies have placed him among the favourites to win the show.

“It’s funny because he never used to sing football songs on the way to matches in the school mini-bus and he didn’t have the most unique goal celebrations,” Mr Ferguson said.

“How he comes across on TV is exactly how he is, or was, just really genuine and a nice guy, I hope he does well.”

Speaking just before he found out his fate on Sunday night's programme, Olly told presenter Dermot O'Leary how being in the competition was like being at Silverstone race track because he didn't know what was coming around the corner.

"I am here in LA having the time of my life. This is what comes sucks about the whole thing because if it is a no, it's back home to Essex, back home to my energy advising job.

"A decision from Simon is just epic."

However, there was no need for him to worry.

As he stood with tears in his eyes awaiting his fate, Cowell told him: "You're a risk, it's as simple as that.

"Sometimes I have to take risks. You're in.

"Don't you let me down again."

Explaining his decision to the camera, Cowell added: "Everyone loves Olly. You meet him, you like him. He has the likeability factor and he's a natural entertainer."

To go through Olly, who has thousands of people supporting him on Facebook, sang Donny Hathaway’s A Song for You in front of Cowell and So Macho singer Sinitta.

The pair agreed Olly was nervous but he still joined Danyl Johnson and Jamie Archer in the final three of the over 25s category.

Olly unsuccessfully applied to the hit TV show last year and has been gigging with his friend, Jonathan Goodey, at pubs including The George in Witham.

Landlord John Fisher said: “I’m immensely pleased for him, everybody is.

“You can’t not be happy for him because he’s such a nice person.”