A Maidstone schoolboy has become a favourite to win The X Factor after wowing judges at his audition.

The 18-year-old, who went to Sutton Valence School, sailed through the first stage of the ITV1 competition with his rendition of Amy Winehouse hit Love is a Losing Game while playing his own accompaniment on the keyboard.

The student, who is originally from Ashford and works part-time in kennels, was described as "a contender" by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was visibly moved by the song.

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Judge Sharon Osbourne described the performance as "very, very cool," while Louis Walsh told Freddy he was born to do music.

Simon Cowell added: "There were no gimmicks. It was just you and I kind of got a few little goosebumps."

Before singing, the teenager - who brought along his mum to the the audition - told judges: "I am a bit nervous but I am excited to get out there. It is scary but it could completely change my life.”

After the performance, which aired on Sunday, he tweeted his followers thanking them for their support.

Bookies William Hill are already offering odds of 14/1 for Freddy to win the talent show, which is now in its 14th season.