IT WAS just six months ago that teenager Giles Potter was watched by millions stepping into the audition room of the X Factor.

Singing in front of judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne, the 17-year-old from Norton, near Worcester could not have predicted how much his life would change.

He may not have made it to the live shows after Louis Walsh kicked him out at judges' houses but he has been working hard at building on the exposure the show has afforded him.

As well as touring the country playing gigs, Giles has been signed to ADR Management, has been modelling for Ratchet Clothing and has even been approached to do more television work.

On top of this he has supported The Vamps and Union J and played with a team in the celebrity Soccer Six.

The former Pershore High School pupil said: "Since leaving X Factor, it's been amazing. I've been touring with Little Chris, doing a lot of gigs and there are a lot of big things coming up this year.

"I'm doing lots of different things and it is really exciting."

Since the show, his fans have continued to support him and his Twitter and Instagram sites both have over 80,000 followers while over 112,000 people 'Like' his page on Facebook.

"I normally get around 20/30 messages a day from fans, it's normally girls saying "I love you" and "I voted for you on X Factor" which is funny because I didn't even get through to the live rounds.

"They are all lovely though and they are true fans, I love them lots.

"I have a group of girls in Ireland who call themselves Giles' Irish Girls and if I have a gig in Ireland they always turn up."

Giles is determined to have a successful career out of the show and puts in a lot of hours travelling the country to play gigs which can mean a lot of time away from friends and family.

He still makes time to visit Perdiswell Skate Park with his friends but has left college where he was studying musical theatre to concentrate on his career.

"It is tough but I enjoy it.

"I still get time to see friends but when I am free they are usually all at school or college and my family are so supportive, I couldn't ask for better.

"Since the show I have got a better work ethic, when I'm doing things I'm more professional.

"When I first started I didn't know how to act but now I know when it is time to be professional and when it's fine to mess about."

While he remains tight-lipped about whether he is likely to appear on the ITV show again, unlike some other contestants, he remains grateful for the experience.

"X Factor was the best experience of my life. My life changed completely from the first time I appeared."