Croydon’s Local Boy Made Good!

 

On Wednesday the 10th of December, hundreds of hopeful fans flooded to the north end of the town’s centre to get a glimpse of Croydon’s most talked about person- Ben Haenow. The X factor contestant has not only made it to the live shows, but he is now in the final against rivals Fleur East and Andrea Faustini.

At this time of the year, the streets are already buzzing with seasonal shoppers making the word ‘congested’ an understatement, despite the frosty weather. However, there was no stopping the teenage girls screaming at the top of their lungs and the warmth of the reception from friends, family and supportive members of the community. 

Ben was accompanied by his mentor Simon Cowell, who introduced the 29 year old from Shirley saying ‘The star is home’ and drawing a huge roar from the appreciative crowd. 

On the night, Ben sung his favourite songs that managed to take him to the final; The Beatles' Come Together and John Lennon's Jealous Guy which really rattled the excited crowd. 

Natasha Simone from Purley said ‘I want Ben to win. He really deserves it and tonight he’s just been simply amazing’. Another fan, Trevor Wilson from Thornton Heath, said ‘Ben’s really done it for Croydon, I couldn’t be more proud to say I’m from around here knowing he’s come so far’.

After the 15 minute gig ended, Simon Cowell promised the people of Croydon that he would do everything he could to ‘bring the X factor crown to Croydon for the first time’. 

The crowning of the winner of X factor 2014 will be on Sunday 14th December, but will Croydon’s support be enough to make Ben this year’s eventual winner? Only your votes count towards saving Ben Haenow.

Monifa Bobb-Simon

Reigate College