X Factor comes to Middlesbrough in search of the next big thing (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

X Factor auditions come to Middlesbrough in search of the next big thing

12:19pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Chris Pleasance

AUDITIONS for ITV’s X Factor will happen in Middlesbrough’s Cleveland Centre this year after Newcastle was axed as a venue.

But aspiring stars hoping to meet the celebrity judges will be disappointed as they will not be making an appearance, despite last year’s winner, James Arthur, coming from the city.

Instead hopefuls will have to make do with a mobile auditions centre, open from 10am until 3pm on Friday, March 29, where they will be assessed by a considerably less famous panel.

Debbie Anderson, Cleveland Centre manager, said: "We are very excited to host the X Factor auditions. Cleveland Centre has had a strong association with music and we have had a number of pop up gigs over the years. I think we must have the most talented people in the UK living in the area.”

If contestants are successful they will go on to the regional finals, though it is not known when or where this will be.

The X Factor show has had strong entries from the region including Journey South, Amelia Lilly and James Arthur who have gone on to be some of the show's outstanding stars so far.

Amelia Lilly supported Girls Aloud on tour, while James Arthur's single Impossible reached number 1 in the UK charts.

Anybody wishing to take part should visit www.xfactor.itv.com for more details.