X FACTOR hopefuls gathered in Churchill Square shopping centre yesterday in their bid for stardom.

Scores of singers were in Brighton to take part in auditions for the hit TV show, desperate to make their way through to the next round.

The aim was to impress the judges in the hope of going on to perform in front of the boss, Simon Cowell.

Auditions began at 10am on a stage built on the ground floor of the shopping centre.

Throughout the day, performers with stars in their eyes turned up in their droves to show off their talents.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, Churchill Square centre director, said: “Following the huge success of last year’s X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent auditions, we knew today was going to be another popular event.

“We know that there are some incredibly talented bands and singers in the region and it was terrific to see so many people of all ages come along.

“As always we were not disappointed with the quality of the singing and dancing on display and we’re all excited to find out whether the next star of tomorrow comes from the area.”

The talent show team was in Brighton as part of the show’s open audition tour, which is visiting towns and cities across the UK to find singers for the forthcoming ITV series.

Nickarth Iloev, 20, from Brighton, decided to try to impress judges with his own song, Come Home.

He said: “I signed up to audition at the last minute because I decided to take another shot at the competition after competing in my home country of Estonia.

“I was actually quite successful but missed out in one of the last rounds so it will be good to take it further in this country.

“I have been here for just over a month and came to Brighton to pursue my dream of being a musician.

“I played the guitar and sang my own song during the audition and I am confident about the song.

“This is my chance to meet new people and continue to chase my dream, so I am very excited.”

Mr Buchanan-Smith said: “In 2012, series winner James Arthur had tried out at a mobile audition so it is a huge opportunity for budding artists and we’re proud and excited to be a part of it.”

The show returns to ITV later this year alongside sister show, The Xtra Factor on ITV 2.