The Luminites singer set to take BGT stage by storm

WAVING banners high above their heads and screaming at the top of their voices, children at Margaretting Primary School turned out in force this week to support their Britain's Got Talent hopeful.

Former pupil Jordan Clarke, otherwise known as JJ, will perform in the live final of the hit ITV1 show with his band Luminites tonight.

The foursome won their semi-final last Thursday with their alternative rendition of the Bee Gees hit Love Somebody, seeing off seven other contestants to join the final ten.

Since the Margaretting pupils returned from their half-term break on Monday, the playing fields have been abuzz with excitable BGT gossip.

Taking a quick break from rehearsals, the 18-year-old singer told the Chronicle: "It's such a lovely feeling to know that the place where I grew up, and where the teachers who were once giving me school reports, are getting behind me.

"Margaretting is a small place but it's one I hold really close. I love all the people there and can't thank them enough for their support. I can't put into words how much I mean that."

French-born JJ, who comes from a family of singers, said he remembers playing Joseph in the C of E school's Year Six production of the namesake musical.

"The main thing I remember was being a lot smaller, having a much higher-pitched voice, but feeling the same nerves I felt before going on the BGT stage," said JJ, who revisited the school in 2011 to see the year group perform the same musical.

"There's a bit of a difference between the local village hall and a studio airing live to millions of people, yet somehow before I perform anywhere I get a huge rush of butterflies. I don't think that will ever change."

Deputy head Teresa Harper, who has been at the school since 1989, is the only member of staff remaining who taught JJ.

The 56-year-old said: "He was a smashing kid. He was such a hard-working student and funny too, all those things ideal in a student. He was one of just four or five students in his year group at the time, it was so small.

"I remember him coming back to watch Joseph two years ago – he just sat there crying, and that's the sort of kid he is, sensitive and such a nice lad."

Shortly after JJ left the school, all the staff travelled to London to watch him in his first major stage production at Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

The former Chelmsford Athletics Club member, and Brentwood Athletic footballer, benefited from a scholarship to the performing arts college.

"We're like a family at the school here and it's what we'd do for any kid," said the deputy head. We are all so proud of JJ here and we know he was always destined for stardom."

The band, whose ages vary from 18 to 22, was formed about two years ago .

They have toured schools across the country ever since but now have the chance of winning £250,000 and the opportunity to sing in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance.

JJ's proud mother Sharon, also mum to his three singing sisters, said: "The amount of people ringing us has been overwhelming," said the 53-year-old, who was at the ITV studio in Wembley Arena to watch the band triumph in the semi-final last week.

Speaking before Saturday's final, JJ said: "The guys and myself are going to be rehearsing every day this week, pushing really hard to find a song we think people will enjoy by putting a Luminites stamp on it. Hopefully we get one!"

The band have been compared to American rappers the Black Eyed Peas by stern TV judge Simon Cowell, while fellow finalist, Irish guitarist Jordan O'Keefe says they are the ones to beat.

JJ added: "There has been so much talent on this year's show, I really feel it's been one of the toughest ones to be a part of.

"To be able to say I got to the final with my band is such an achievement. I feel over the moon to have come this far."

To find out how Luminites fare, tune into ITV1 at 7.30pm tonight, and don't forget to vote.