IF THERE is one person in North East Lincolnshire who knows what Ella Henderson is going through right now, it has to be Verity Keays.
Seven years ago the singing teacher reached the finals of the X Factor and remembers rubbing shoulders with likes of music mogul Simon Cowell as if it was yesterday.
Verity, 58, said: "Ella is my cousin's daughter, so I have been watching the show regularly to keep updated – she has a beautiful tone to her voice and she is only 16!
"I loved her performance of Take That's Rule The World, she really had the wow factor singing it.
"Ella is very mature for her age and she is doing excellently in the competition.
"My advice for her would be to enjoy it while you can because it could be the best time of her life.
"She needs to keep a good head on her shoulders and to stay sensible because it is a brilliant opportunity."
Verity has noticed how confident Ella is performing – but says she was quite the opposite and was really nervous during the live shows.
"The world's your oyster after being on the X Factor," she explained.
"Looking back, I really enjoyed it. It was a fantastic opportunity and it has helped with my teaching.
"I was coming out of a divorce at the time, so it really built up my confidence being on the show.
"The whole thing wasn't a negative experience at all.
"I have made a lot of new friends from the show, such as fellow contestant Steve Brookstein."
In 2004, Verity made it to the second week of the X Factor finals and was eliminated after singing her version of Wind Beneath My Wings.
With her insider experience, she believes James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas could also be potential winners in the competition.
She continued: "It's a shame Micky Parsons has gone out of the show because I remember when he performed at Search For A Star when he was about eight-years-old; he was brilliant!
"He really had the cute factor."
Verity also took part in the X Factor tour after the show had ended – and Ella will have that exciting experience to come too.
"I went on a 15-date tour and my highlight was singing at Wembley arena – it was a nerve-wracking experience.
"I felt more confident on the tour and it was brilliant because you don't feel the pressure as much as you do when you're in the competition."
Verity believes it is an achievement getting to the live shows on X Factor and she is proud of being part of the first show.
"When I think about it, it's an achievement being part of the first show," she explained.
"I was also one of the most mature contestants on the first show – but that didn't stop me from getting to the live shows."
Verity now leads a busy life; she is teaching music at four schools in the area, and on top of that she is privately teaching potential stars.
"I am teaching quite a few girls with great potential to go far in the music industry," Verity said.
"I don't want to name names because it wouldn't be right."
