MATT CARDLE has lost his relaxed attitude, has “the bit between his teeth” and really wants to win the X Factor, according to his parents, Jenny and David.

The final takes place over the weekend and the 27-year-old, from Little Maplestead, knows his whole life could be about to change. And Mrs Cardle said: “I am getting increasingly nervous, but not because of Matt’s performance.

“I am never worried that he will not perform. Even on Tuesday, when I know how rough he was feeling, he still gave a superb live performance in Colchester.

“I just want him to win so much, as he has been trying so hard for so long.

“It does take guts to wander around with your CD to record companies and deal with rejection.

“Now he is just so close to the dream.

“I never thought we’d be X Factor parents!”

But Mr Cardle added: “I’m sure Matt has a fantastic career ahead of him, whatever happens this weekend.

“We have only seen half of what he can do.

“The public has seen he can sing, and sing covers and they know. He can play the guitar, but he is also a professional songwriter and fantastic lyricist.”

l Essex University is staging a special live screening of this weekend’s X Factor final.

Join the film crew and friends of Matt at the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall at Colchester Campus.

For free tickets, go to applausestore.com