Stardom moved a step closer for a Pop Idol hopeful from Hockley.

Matthew Shute, 18, from Rosslyn Close, has got through to the second round of auditions for the ITV show.

The ex-Greensward School pupil said: "I had to sing a song and then I was interviewed and I was amazed when they asked me to come back.

"I have been singing since I was 11 but this was the first big audition I have done."

Matthew, who impressed the show's judges with Code Red's Break It To Me Gently, is busy getting together a group with some friends.

He said: "All my life I have wanted to be a singer."

Matthew will face a third today.

Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003