82-year-old bids to win over X Factor judges

X Factor judges are set for an 80s revival – as an octogenarian tries to impress them.

Retired dance teacher William, 82, attempts to sweep the panel off their feet as he tackles Frank Sinatra’s Come Fly With Me on tonight’s edition of the ITV1 show.

Also featured will be performing dog Jazz, whose owner hopes to win over Simon Cowell and co with their unique duet, as well as a contestant from a previous show who has a second crack at the competition.

As judges visit the London auditions, they see that age is no limit to the enthusiasm of contestants when they meet William, from Essex.

Supported by his daughter and grand-daughter, the pensioner gives his best shot at an old blue eyes standard.

But Cowell puts his foot in it as he chats to the aged wannabe, as the audience boo his lack of sensitivity.

The judge asks: “Where would you be in seven... Actually, I’ll shorten that. Where would you be... I didn’t mean it like that. Where would you be in three or four years time?”

Undaunted, William replies: “I hope at the top.”

At the show’s Glasgow audition, 59-year-old nursing assistant Diana is seen teaming up with her seven-year-old dog for their “singing” duo All That Jazz.

“Me and my singing partner are up there with all the great duos,” said Diana. “Sony and Cher, Ike and Tina Turner, Elton John and Kiki Dee – we’re up there with the best of them.”

Diana added: “She goes everywhere with me, any place, any time she can just break out in a song. Jazz and I would love to storm the charts to be the number one. You don’t see many duets with a dog involved.”

Another Glasgow contestant, Ricky, was hoping it would be second time lucky. The 21-year-old club singer made it through to the programme’s bootcamp last year and narrowly missed a chance to go further, but was hoping for another shot.

He admitted he took a while to find his feet after disappointment last year, saying: “It took a good three, four months to get myself back and decide that singing is want I wanted to do. It’s such a struggle and it’s so hard to bring yourself back to this but I want it that much. I’ve never wanted anything so much.”

:: The X Factor can be seen at 7pm on ITV1 tonight.