Some might regard them as lambs to the slaughter. An estimated 10,000 people queued in the pouring rain on Sunday for the questionable opportunity to be savaged by Simon Cowell in the latest series of ITV’s talent show The X Factor

From dawn, crowds of pop wannabes from across the UK waited patiently at the London Olympia venue where they were greeted by host Dermot O’Leary. They may well have drawn inspiration from the example of past winner Leona Lewis, who made history last week by debuting at number one on the US album chart. X factor organiser told the gazette that said: ‘We couldn’t believe how many people turned up.’

One unlucky pop wannabe was house wife and mum of two Jo Walden 34 from East Cowes. She spent nearly 12 hours queuing to try and secure a place in the hit TV show

FAME-HUNGRY Islander wannabe Jo braved the chilly Bank holiday weather to ensure a place in the queue and a chance to impress Simon Cowell.

Those who made it through the doors were to sing in front of the show’s executives who will then decide if they are called back in June to go before the celebrity judges.

But sadly after the queuing for hours all Jo had to show for her brief 3 minute appearance before the TV show executives was an “X factor number”. Speaking to the gazette she said “I’ve never done anything like this before but everyone thinks I’ve got a good voice so I thought I’d give it a go,” I sung “Fairground“ The judges liked it and it was a good experience.