X-Factor stars mobbed at Shepperton Studios

Oct 30 2009 By Adam Courtney

BEATLE-MANIA maybe but a distant memory, but the X Factor contestants are doing a good job of replicating it if their appearance at Shepperton Studios was anything to go by.

Show favourite Danyl Johnson, Jamie "Afro" Archer and teen heartthrob Lloyd Daniels visited the Studios last Thursday to lend their support to the hundreds of local children taking part in the Voice In A Million singing project and, specifically, Staines girl Sophie Manning, who will sing a lead role when the children play a concert at the O2 Arena in January.

The trio were mobbed on their arrival by the choir, which comprised of kids from Magna Carta, Sunbury Manor, Echelford Primary, Laleham C of E, Rydens and Thorpe C of E Infants School, taking time out to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

For Magna Carta pupil Sophie, 13, the stars' visit was just the latest thrill in a whirlwind three weeks which saw her successfully audition to sing Cyndi Lauper's I Want A Mom (That Will Last Forever) at the concert and learn she will record it as a single.

It is released on Monday November 9 to coincide with National Adoption Week, which highlights the plight of orphans around the globe, the cause for which Voice In A Million was created.

Sophie, of Worple Avenue, said: "It's been an amazing time and I just cannot believe I'm about to have my own single out. The feeling will be indescribable.

"Singing it (the single) at the 02 will be so exciting, although I'm going to be really nervous because so many famous people have performed there."

Of the X Factor visit, Sohie, who also attends The Performance Academy in Staines and the Julie Sianne theatre school in West Bylfeet, said: "They were so nice and down-to-earth. Danyl was really nice, he's my favourite although I really like Stacey as well."

Voice In A Million is the brainchild of Studios-based Classic Media Group, which wants to record 1,000,000 childrens' voices singing in harmony by next year. A series of concerts will take place around the globe to achieve its aim.

*For more visit www.nationaladoptionweek.com www.voiceinamillion.com and to hear Sophie's song, go to www.youtube.com/voinceinamillion.  Her single will be available on iTunes.