ONE of the stars of a reality singing competition entertained crowds at a coffee morning yesterday ahead of his appearance in the bootcamp stage of the show.

X Factor contestant Russell Jones, who comes from Sebastopol, performed at the Macmillan Coffee Morning at Caldicot Castle today as part of the charity’s ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’.

Mr Jones said: “It was an amazing experience. We had some kids come from Rogiet Primary School and there were loads of cakes there. We were spoiled for choice.

“I love performing and to make people happy and making the school children happy. I love making music and making a difference to people’s lives.

“It was nice to give the time and raise some money and have some fun. It’s a great excuse to have a party.”

Mr Jones took up singing after his dad, also called Russell, died from cancer. He wanted to make some extra money for his family so he started performing at local venues to make some cash.

He said: “Music keeps me happy and it kept me level when I could have gone off the rails.”

During his first audition Mr Jones sang the Jungle Book classic I Wanna Be Like You in front of judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.

He was brave enough to ask Nicole Scherzinger for a date during the sing and he responded by making a heart shape with her fingers as he continued singing.

“She had fun in the first audition,” Mr Jones said. “I would love to work with her.

“It’s mind-blowing when you walk into the audition room with four of the powerful people in music.

“I never thought I would be in a room with Simon Cowell. He’s a really nice and down to earth guy. He was tapping on the table when I performed. I’d love to go for a pint with him off camera.”

Mr Jones couldn’t reveal if he has made it to the next stage, but he said he is looking forward to seeing the episode which airs at 8pm tonight on ITV.

He added: “I have seen a few clips, but I don’t know what to expect so it will be a surprise.

“I have had so much support. I have had messages from Brazil and America and so many people ask me are asking to perform.

“All this from one audition is just mindblowing.”