The 20-year-old's vocal group JLS were one of 12 acts chosen to compete in the live stages of the top TV talent contest, when the public will get the chance to vote for the first time.

The four-piece were among three bands chosen by pop svengali Louis Walsh to qualify for the finals and they were given the good news at their mentor's palatial home in Ireland.

JLS will now take to the stage on prime time television this Saturday, hoping that Peterborough people will hit the phones to vote for them.

Last night, as the results were broadcast on the ITV1 show, the former Jack Hunt School pupil took time out to speak to The Evening Telegraph from the X Factor house in a secret London location.

"Right now I'm totally buzzing," he said. To get to the live finals of the X Factor is something only a handful of people can say they have done. Now it's time to put on a show."

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Aston and his London-based bandmates Marvin Humes, Ortise Williams and JB Gill, were chosen for the finals after impressing Walsh and Westlife's Shane Filan with their performances in Ireland. Their renditions of No Air, by Jordin Sparks, and Timbaland and One Republic's Apologise, left the two judges in no doubt about their decision.

Walsh said he was "absolutely certain" about his selections for the final rounds while the Westlife star admitted he would "pay to watch" the band perform live.

Aston told the ET the live final rounds would represent the toughest challenge of the competition so far – but said he was confident the band could win it outright.

He said: "We are used to it now. We are all comfortable together and all know what we are trying to achieve. Of course we can go all the way – we have come this far and there is no point doubting ourselves now."

There were emotional scenes at the singer's family home in West Town, Peterborough, where his parents, grandparents and brother and sister witnessed his triumph.

Mum Siobhan was almost lost for words after the show.

She said: "I'm still in shock to be honest, but I'm completely proud of him. It's an emotional experience just watching him."

Dad Orjan added: "We are absolutely elated, we are so happy for him. We know he's been on a rollercoaster and it can only get better.

"We hope all his friends and everyone in Peterborough will get behind him too, so he can go all the way. They believe in themselves and have got great chemistry. To see the release of emotions from them hits us quite hard."