Fans welcome 'X Factor' finalist at homecoming gig
'X Factor' finalist James Arthur was welcomed by hundreds of fans today as he returned home, accompanied by his mentor Nicole Scherzinger.
Arthur, from Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the North East, returned to play a free homecoming gig.
Along with Scherzinger, the pair paid a visit to his local pub, the Victoria, and they arrived on the back of two Harley Davidsons.
They were greeted by his family, along with hundreds of fans screaming and shouting his name.
Friend Kieran Shane said: “I’ve known him for about five or six years and I always knew he was destined for success.
“He’s got charisma, he’s got charm, he’s got talent and he’s a joy to be around.
“It’s a Cinderella story, a rags to riches story, and it’s the best.”
After visiting a few sites in his home town, Arthur will play at Middlesbrough Town Hall tonight.
In the final of the ITV programme, he will be competing against Christopher Maloney and Jahmene Douglas.
