THE X Factor’s Stevi Ritchie, all-round entertainer and Simon Cowell’s Harvester dinner date, tells Rachel Stretton how Weymouth was the perfect launch pad for his showbiz career

BEFORE he performed to millions on prime time Saturday night television, X Factor star Stevi Ritchie appeared on a more humble stage in Weymouth.

Eagle-eyed readers may have recognised him as Buttons in last year’s pantomime Cinderella at Weymouth Pavilion.

The former call-centre worker, who was voted off the TV talent show on Sunday, has come a long way since his Weymouth panto days, becoming best friends with music mogul Simon Cowell and entertaining more than eight million people with his stage antics.

In an interview with the Dorset Echo, Stevi said his life has been transformed since he last came to Weymouth.

But the popular contestant, whose rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody was described by Cowell as the show’s ‘best ever performance’, has hinted that he would love to return to the town.

Stevi played the role of Buttons in last year’s production of Cinderella at Weymouth Pavilion, and also admitted to spending a drunken night out in the resort on New Year’s Eve.

He said: “It was fantastic, I had a really good laugh playing Buttons. I love the Dorset people and I really miss being in Weymouth.

“I was at a New Year’s Eve party here and it’s great, with everyone dressing up.

“I went out and about getting drunk and dancing. I was pretty wrecked, but it was a great night.”

Stevi also revealed he had been keen to return to take part in this year’s panto, Aladdin, but all the parts had been cast.

He said: “It would be great to come back and watch it. I’m sure they can sort me out with a ticket.”

Following his elimination from the show last Sunday, Stevi said his life has been ‘mental’ with interview and gig requests.

He already has performances lined up in Brighton and Worcester and has been asked to appear in a production of Cats.

He will also take part in the X Factor tour, which comes to the BIC in Bournemouth on February 18.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be on X Factor,” he said.

“I think I made my mark.”

Stevi, who was a wild card brought back to the competition by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini after being eliminated in the judges’ houses round, added that he enjoyed bringing some fun to the X Factor with his memorable, outlandish performances.

“It’s called the X Factor because it’s about your personality, your performance, your looks and dancing.

“If you just want a singing competition, you go to The Voice. The X Factor is about more than that.”

He rates Bohemian Rhapsody, I’m Still Standing and Music of the Night as his favourite performances on the show.

“When I did Phantom of the Opera, that’s when it all changed for me,” he said. “They wanted me to do the Ghostbusters song but I was desperate to do a ballad.

“I think that’s when people realised I can actually sing, so it was a real turning point. I got a thumbs up from Simon and that was incredible.”

Having been inundated with interviews, Stevi is still getting used to the media interest, particularly in his love life.

“It is crazy. I’m still getting used to being recognised in Colchester, where I live.

“I think people are a bit drawn in by my personality and I’m so thankful to the general public, including everyone in Weymouth, who voted for me and kept me in for so long.

“I’m very proud of myself for getting down to the final six. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to stay in the competition longer, but it was my time to go.

“There are some fantastic singers left in.”

What does the future hold now for the star?

“To be honest, I am just playing it by ear. I don’t want to get my hopes up but I am expecting the unexpected and not taking it for granted.

“I’m loving life at the minute and I’ll just see where it takes me.”

Stevi had a special mention for his ‘gorgeous’ daughter Summer, seven, who supported him at the arena auditions.

“She has been such a rock to me. She was actually quite upset when I was voted off and told me she was going to write to the show and complain, but I told her you can’t blame anyone else, and I was happy with my position.”

Ron Martin, of Wimborne-based Ron Martin Management, who brought last year’s production of Cinderella to the Pavilion, said Stevi is a ‘lovely guy’.

Mr Martin said Stevi had phoned him asking if he could make an appearance in this year’s pantomime.

Mr Martin, a former stand-up comedian, said: “Unfortunately I had already cast all the parts for this year’s panto.

“But perhaps he may be back in Weymouth at some point.”

He added: “I think Stevi auditioned for me three times, but last year he was really excellent so I decided to place him in Weymouth.

“The audience in Weymouth loved him.

“As a person, he is a great guy. I couldn’t believe it when I saw him on the X Factor but I wish him all the best.

“He is a true reality star.”