Could a former Ashford schoolboy have the one true voice to win TV talent show X Factor?

Former Norton Knatchbull pupil Daniel Pearce, who grew up in Brabourne Lees, has survived the audition stages of the show and could be on his way to the live finals of the competition.

Seven years ago the 31-year-old enjoyed chart success as a member of TV talent show boy band One True Voice and since then has been working hard to promote his solo career.

Speaking to the Kentish Express, he said: “The last seven years have been a real struggle, really hard work. The reason I put myself through for X-Factor was because I had exhausted all other options. And so far so good, it’s proving to be quite a journey.”

Daniel’s old band was launched as part of the 2002 hit television series Pop Stars: The Rivals in competition to Girls Aloud – the group that made X-Factor judge Cheryl Cole famous.

Daniel said: “It was quite odd meeting Cheryl again but it was great to be on stage and singing in front of her again. She knows what it’s like so she can sympathise.”

And Cheryl certainly returned the compliment. She gave Daniel a standing ovation after his first audition and said: “I always thought you were fantastic.”

Notoriously straight-talking Simon Cowell has been made Daniel’s mentor on the show. But Daniel had nothing but praise for the record company boss.

He said: “I’ve always found Simon not to be nasty at all. Most of the time he is just very honest and very seldom is he not right in what he says. He’s just a very decent man.”

Fame and fortune are not everything to Daniel who since his previous brush with fame has married and started a family.

“My wife Charlotte is a massive part of my life and we’re in this together.”

Daniel now lives with his family in Buckinghamshire but has fond memories of his time in Ashford.

He showed musical prowess at school appearing in many performances, including National Music Festival performances and even playing with the school Jazz Band at the Royal Albert Hall.

Viewers will find out whether Daniel has made it to the final 12 contestants on Sunday, but until then he is keeping tight-lipped.