X Factor comes to Old Trafford

Producer Beth Hart said that the team behind the ratings smash are "excited" to return to the city.

"Every year the level of talent here continues to grow and we can’t resist coming back for more."

Among the hopefuls taking the first steps to possible stardom at the home of Manchester United, Old Trafford, is 48-year- old Michael Muszynski of Blackpool.

Muszynski auditioned in 2007 but didn’t make it past the initial stage.

"My mum had recently died and I didn’t give it my best," he explains. "That’s why I have decided to do it again, but this time I’m going to make it through!”

The singer, who performs under the name Mikey M, plans on performing the popular Robbie Williams song, She’s the One.

“I’ve changed it so it’s more my style. It’ll be original, I think the judges will be looking for originality, and that’s what I have got.”

While Muszynski (pictured) wasn’t giving away any clues about his rendition of the hit, he did flash a bit of his pedigree: “In the 90s, I played keyboards in a reggae indie band, so it might have an urban flavour.”

Mikey M will be joined by other hopefuls on Saturday and Sunday looking for a shot at pop super-stardom.

Producer Hart added: "Manchester’s finest Misha Bryan made Kelly Rowland’s final three girls. Hopefully this year the boys, over 25s, and groups will also show us Manchester’s got the X Factor and can give us our next big star."

by Jamie Carruthers